### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חַרְחֻר (charchur, `{{H2746}}`) is derived from the root חָרַר (charar, `{{H2787}}`), which fundamentally means "to be hot, to burn, or to be parched." The reduplicative form of the noun, חַרְחֻר, intensifies this meaning, conveying a sense of extreme or persistent burning. Its primary semantic range encompasses a severe physical condition: "fever" or "extreme burning heat." This suggests an intense internal heat that consumes the body, indicative of a debilitating illness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חַרְחֻר (charchur, `{{H2746}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the extensive list of curses that would befall Israel if they disobeyed the covenant established with Yahweh. The verse reads: "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever (חַרְחֻר), with inflammation, with scorching heat, with drought, with blight, and with mildew, and these will pursue you until you perish."
In this context, חַרְחֻר is enumerated alongside other severe afflictions, both physical (wasting disease, inflammation, scorching heat) and agricultural (drought, blight, mildew). Its inclusion among these curses emphasizes its nature as a divinely sent punishment, a debilitating illness characterized by intense, burning fever. The cumulative effect of these curses is presented as leading to the ultimate perishing of the disobedient people, highlighting the severe consequences of breaking the covenant. The specific mention of "fever" underscores the physical suffering that would accompany divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for חַרְחֻר (charchur, `{{H2746}}`) is its root, חָרַר (charar, `{{H2787}}`), which appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe intense heat, dryness, or desolation. For example, it is used to describe parched ground ([[Jeremiah 17:6]]) or bones burning with heat ([[Job 30:30]]).
Other related concepts include:
* **Diseases and Plagues:** The Old Testament frequently describes various forms of illness and pestilence as instruments of divine judgment. Words like דֶּבֶר (dever, `{{H1698}}`, "pestilence") or מַכָּה (makkah, `{{H4347}}`, "blow, plague") often appear in similar contexts of covenant curses.
* **Scorching Heat:** The accompanying term שִׁדָּפוֹן (shiddafon, `{{H7711}}`, "scorching heat" or "blight") in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]] further reinforces the idea of intense, destructive heat, whether affecting the body or the crops.
* **Covenant Curses:** The broader theological framework of [[Deuteronomy 28]] and [[Leviticus 26]] involves a detailed exposition of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. חַרְחֻר is one specific manifestation of these curses, demonstrating God's capacity to inflict physical suffering as a consequence of sin.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חַרְחֻר (charchur, `{{H2746}}`) in the context of the Deuteronomic curses carries profound theological weight.
1. **Divine Judgment:** Its placement in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]] unequivocally marks חַרְחֻר as an instrument of divine judgment. It is not merely a natural illness but a direct consequence orchestrated by God for covenant infidelity. This underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity and His justice in upholding His covenant.
2. **Physical Manifestation of Sin's Consequences:** The inclusion of a debilitating fever among the curses highlights the holistic nature of God's covenant. Disobedience does not only affect spiritual standing but also has tangible, physical repercussions on the body and the land. The "extreme burning" of חַרְחֻר symbolizes the consuming nature of God's displeasure.
3. **Severity of Affliction:** The intensity implied by the reduplicative form of the word emphasizes the severity of the fever, suggesting a consuming, debilitating illness that leads to ultimate perishing. This serves as a stark warning, illustrating the dire and comprehensive nature of the promised curses.
4. **God's Sovereignty over Sickness:** In the biblical worldview, God is sovereign over all aspects of creation, including health and disease. While natural causes exist, the text attributes such severe afflictions, especially in a covenantal context, to God's direct action or permission, reinforcing His ultimate control over life and death.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חַרְחֻר (charchur, `{{H2746}}`), derived from the root חָרַר (to burn), denotes an "extreme burning" or "fever." Its sole occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 28:22]] places it firmly within the solemn covenant curses pronounced upon Israel for disobedience. In this context, חַרְחֻר represents a severe, debilitating fever, divinely inflicted as a direct consequence of covenant breaking. Theologically, its presence underscores God's sovereignty over disease as an instrument of judgment, highlighting the tangible and severe physical repercussions of sin. The intensity implied by the word's form emphasizes the consuming and ultimately destructive nature of this divinely appointed affliction, serving as a potent warning to uphold the covenant.
TRV