or חָרִט; from the same as חֶרֶט; properly, cut out (or hollow), i.e. (by implication) a pocket; bag, crisping pin.
Transliteration:chârîyṭ
Pronunciation:khaw-reet'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָרִיט (chârîyṭ, `{{H2754}}`) derives from a root associated with cutting or hollowing out, akin to חֶרֶט (cheret, `{{H2747}}`), which denotes an engraving tool or stylus. This etymological connection suggests an object that is either "cut out" or "hollowed." Semantically, חָרִיט primarily refers to a small container, specifically a "bag" or "pocket," implying something fashioned by cutting or hollowing material to create a receptacle. The King James Version famously translates it as "crisping pin" in its sole biblical occurrence, a rendering that has led to scholarly debate. While "crisping pin" might suggest a tool for styling hair (perhaps a pointed instrument or a small bag containing such tools), modern scholarship and other translations more commonly favor "handbag" or "purse," aligning with the idea of a small, decorative container for personal items or valuables. The core meaning thus pivots between a small, hollowed-out container and, less certainly, a specific tool for adornment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חָרִיט (chârîyṭ, `{{H2754}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 3:22]]: "the mantles, and the tunics, and the cloaks, and the purses, and the mirrors, and the fine linen, and the turbans, and the veils."
This solitary occurrence is embedded within Isaiah's scathing prophecy against the proud and luxurious women of Jerusalem. The prophet catalogues a long list of their elaborate adornments and articles of clothing, which symbolize their vanity, self-indulgence, and reliance on outward show rather than spiritual piety. In this context, חָרִיט is listed among items such as "mantles" (מעטפות), "tunics" (מחפלות), "cloaks" (מחלצות), "mirrors" (גליונים), "fine linen" (צניפים), "turbans" (רעלות), and "veils" (צעיפים).
The inclusion of חָרִיט in this inventory strongly suggests an item of personal adornment or a carrier of valuables, consistent with the interpretation of "handbag" or "purse." Such an item would have been a visible marker of wealth and social status in ancient society. The older translation "crisping pin" (KJV) is less likely given the surrounding context of apparel and personal accessories, though it could refer to a small, ornate case for such a tool. Regardless of the precise object, its presence in this list underscores the prophet's critique of excessive materialism and the misplaced priorities of the women, who are soon to face divine judgment for their spiritual infidelity and moral decay. The impending removal of these items ([[Isaiah 3:24]]) signifies the stripping away of their pride and security.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is חֶרֶט (cheret, `{{H2747}}`), which means an "engraving tool" or "stylus." This connection highlights the shared semantic root implying something "cut" or "hollowed." While חֶרֶט refers to the instrument of cutting, חָרִיט refers to an object that is "cut out" or "hollowed" to serve a purpose, typically as a container.
Other Hebrew words for bags or containers that provide comparative context include:
* כִּיס (kîys, `{{H3599}}`): A general term for a "bag," often a "money bag."
* צְרוֹר (tsᵉrôr, `{{H6872}}`): A "bundle" or "bag," frequently used for money or stones.
* יַלְקוּט (yalqûṭ, `{{H3216}}`): A "shepherd's bag" or "pouch."
The conceptual sphere surrounding חָרִיט in [[Isaiah 3]] includes themes of:
* **Vanity and Pride:** The women's elaborate attire and accessories as symbols of their self-exaltation.
* **Luxury and Materialism:** The accumulation of expensive items as evidence of societal affluence and spiritual decline.
* **Idolatry of Appearance:** A focus on outward beauty and status over inner character and obedience to God.
* **Divine Judgment:** The stripping away of these symbols as a consequence of their sin.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חָרִיט in [[Isaiah 3:22]] is highly significant within the broader theological message of Isaiah. It functions as a concrete symbol within a prophetic indictment against the spiritual decay of Judah, particularly among its elite women. Their "purses" or "handbags" represent not merely fashion accessories but encapsulate their misplaced values and the societal ills rooted in pride and materialism.
The passage in Isaiah highlights a profound theological principle: true security and beauty do not lie in material possessions or outward adornment, but in a right relationship with God. The prophet's detailed list of luxurious items serves to underscore the extent of their spiritual blindness and their reliance on fleeting earthly comforts. The impending judgment, where these very items will be taken away and replaced with shame and destitution ([[Isaiah 3:24]]), serves as a stark warning against the idolatry of wealth and appearance.
Theologically, חָרִיט becomes a poignant reminder that God's judgment often targets the very things in which people place their trust apart from Him. The removal of these symbols of status and security is a divine act of humbling, designed to expose the emptiness of human pride and to call the people back to repentance and reliance on the Lord alone. It underscores the transient nature of all earthly glory in contrast to the enduring nature of God's justice and holiness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָרִיט (chârîyṭ, `{{H2754}}`) denotes a "bag" or "pocket," etymologically linked to the concept of something "cut out" or "hollowed." Its sole occurrence in [[Isaiah 3:22]] places it among a detailed list of luxurious adornments worn by the women of Jerusalem. In this context, חָרִיט most likely refers to a "handbag" or "purse," serving as a symbol of their wealth, vanity, and misplaced priorities. Theologically, its presence in Isaiah's prophecy underscores the prophet's severe critique of materialism and pride, highlighting the transient nature of earthly possessions and the certainty of divine judgment against those who prioritize outward show over spiritual devotion. It serves as a powerful reminder that true value and security are found not in accumulated wealth or superficial appearance, but in a reverent relationship with God.
TRV