or חוֹרִי; the same as חֹרִי; Chori, the name of two men; Hori.
Transliteration:Chôrîy
Pronunciation:kho-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֹרִי (Chôrîy), Strong's H2753, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, designating a personal name: Hori. Its base definition indicates a direct connection to the underlying root חֹר (chor), Strong's `{{H2356}}`. This root carries a dual semantic range:
1. **"Hole," "Cave," or "Cavern":** This meaning is evident in passages like [[1 Samuel 14:11]] and [[Isaiah 42:22]]. When applied to a people group, as in "Horites" (חֹרִי, Strong's `{{H2752}}`), it suggests "cave-dwellers" or inhabitants of a rocky, cavernous region, such as Seir.
2. **"Noble" or "Free-born":** This sense is found in terms like חֹרִים (chorim), Strong's `{{H2715}}`, which refers to "nobles" or "princes" (e.g., [[Exodus 18:21]], [[Nehemiah 2:16]]).
For the proper name Hori (H2753), the "cave-dweller" interpretation is strongly implied for the Horite individual, given the ethnic group's association with Seir's topography. The "noble" sense is a less direct, but still possible, etymological background for the Israelite Hori. As a proper name, its semantic range is limited to the identity of the individuals it denotes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חֹרִי (Chôrîy) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Hori, son of Lotan:** This Hori is mentioned in [[Genesis 36:22]] within the genealogies of Esau and the Horites. He is identified as one of the sons of Lotan, a chief (or "alluph") of the Horites, who were the indigenous inhabitants of Seir before the Edomites. This context strongly aligns Hori with the Horite people, reinforcing the interpretation of his name as "cave-dweller" or "native of a rocky region," reflecting the mountainous terrain of Seir. The inclusion of Horite genealogies in Genesis highlights the pre-Edomite settlement of the land and God's sovereign ordering of nations.
2. **Hori, father of Shaphat:** In [[Numbers 13:5]], Hori is identified as the father of Shaphat, the representative from the tribe of Simeon among the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Unlike the Horite Hori, this individual is an Israelite, part of the covenant community. No further direct information is provided about this Hori himself, but his significance lies in his paternity of a leader chosen for a crucial mission during the Israelites' wilderness journey. His name thus appears within the meticulous tribal listings and preparations for the conquest of the Promised Land.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H2356}}` חֹר (chor):** The foundational root, meaning "hole," "cave," or "noble." The proper name Hori (H2753) is a direct derivative.
* **`{{H2752}}` חֹרִי (Chôrî):** This is the plural form, typically translated as "Horites," referring to the ethnic group inhabiting Seir. The connection between the proper name Hori (H2753) and the ethnic designation (H2752) is explicit in the Genesis account of Hori the Horite.
* **`{{H2715}}` חֹרִים (chorim):** A related term derived from the "noble" sense of the root, meaning "nobles" or "free men." While etymologically connected, it refers to a social status rather than a proper name or ethnic group.
* **Seir:** The geographical region associated with the Horites, characterized by its mountainous and often cavernous landscape, which supports the "cave-dweller" interpretation of the name.
* **Tribal Lineage:** The second Hori's appearance in the tribal register of Simeon underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage and the divine selection of individuals for specific roles within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The name חֹרִי (Chôrîy), while a proper noun, contributes to the broader theological tapestry of the Hebrew Bible through the contexts of the individuals who bore it.
For **Hori the Horite**, his inclusion in the genealogies of Genesis 36 serves to establish the ancient history of the land of Seir. This detail underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and territories. The Horites, like other pre-Israelite inhabitants, were eventually dispossessed or assimilated, highlighting God's prerogative to grant land to whomever He chooses, as seen in the Edomites' eventual inheritance of Seir ([[Deuteronomy 2:12]], [[Deuteronomy 2:22]]). This narrative demonstrates the unfolding of God's plan for the nations before the full establishment of Israel in Canaan.
For **Hori the Simeonite**, though only mentioned as the father of Shaphat, his presence in the list of tribal leaders chosen for the reconnaissance mission into Canaan emphasizes the meticulousness of biblical record-keeping and the divine ordering of Israel's journey. The selection of Shaphat, son of Hori, from the tribe of Simeon, signifies God's direct involvement in equipping His people for their covenantal responsibilities. Even seemingly minor figures in genealogies contribute to the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness, His preparation of a people, and the careful stewardship of leadership within the community.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma חֹרִי (Chôrîy), Strong's H2753, functions as the proper name "Hori," appearing twice in the biblical text. Etymologically linked to the root חֹר (chor), it carries possible connotations of "cave-dweller" or "noble." The first Hori is identified in [[Genesis 36:22]] as a Horite, son of Lotan, connecting the name to the indigenous inhabitants of Seir. The second Hori is an Israelite from the tribe of Simeon, known as the father of Shaphat, one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan ([[Numbers 13:5]]). While a seemingly minor entry, the occurrences of Hori contribute to the biblical narrative by providing historical context for ancient peoples and illustrating the meticulous record-keeping of Israelite genealogies. These details collectively underscore God's sovereign control over history, His allocation of lands, and His careful selection of individuals to fulfill His divine purposes within the unfolding drama of redemption.