from the plural of חֶרֶא and the plural of יוֹנָה; or perhaps rather the plural of a single word חֲרָאיוֹן, probably a kind of vegetable; excrements of doves {or a vegetable}; doves' dung.
Transliteration:chărêy-yôwnîym
Pronunciation:khar-ay'-yo-neem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲרֵי־יוֹנִים (chărêy-yôwnîym, `{{H2755}}`) is a compound term, or possibly a single word, whose precise meaning carries a dual interpretation within scholarly discourse. The most straightforward etymological breakdown suggests a combination of חֶרֶא (chere', `{{H2716}}`), meaning "dung" or "excrement," and יוֹנָה (yonah, `{{H3123}}`), meaning "dove." This yields the primary and most common translation: "doves' dung." This interpretation evokes a substance of utter worthlessness, impurity, and repulsion.
However, the Strong's definition itself notes an alternative: "or perhaps rather the plural of a single word חֲרָאיוֹן, probably a kind of vegetable." This suggests a potential botanical meaning, referring to a wild, perhaps unpalatable, but edible plant. This alternative interpretation attempts to provide a more plausible, albeit still grim, food source during a time of extreme famine, as opposed to literally consuming animal waste. The semantic range of H2755 thus oscillates between a literal, vile animal byproduct and a humble, low-value vegetable, both conveying extreme scarcity and desperation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֲרֵי־יוֹנִים occurs only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[2 Kings 6:25]]. Its singular appearance is within a passage describing the severe siege of Samaria by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram.
[[2 Kings 6:25]]: "And there was a great famine in Samaria; and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for eighty pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of doves' dung for five pieces of silver."
The context is crucial for understanding the word's impact. The passage paints a harrowing picture of extreme famine and desperation within the besieged city. The mention of an ass's head, an unclean animal according to Mosaic law and typically not consumed by Israelites, being sold at an exorbitant price (eighty pieces of silver), already signals the dire straits of the inhabitants. The subsequent mention of "doves' dung" for five pieces of silver further intensifies this image of suffering.
If "doves' dung" is interpreted literally, it signifies the absolute nadir of human degradation and starvation, where people are driven to consume actual waste for survival. This powerful imagery underscores the severity of the famine and the complete breakdown of societal norms. If, conversely, it refers to a type of vegetable, it still implies a food source of extremely low value and palatability, named perhaps for its appearance or its association with waste due to its humble nature. In either case, the exorbitant price paid for such a meager and undesirable item highlights the overwhelming hunger and scarcity that gripped Samaria. The passage serves as a stark testament to the consequences of siege warfare and the depths of human suffering it can inflict.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of חֲרֵי־יוֹנִים provide direct semantic links:
* חֶרֶא (chere', `{{H2716}}`): This root word for "dung" or "excrement" reinforces the literal interpretation of H2755 as a waste product, signifying impurity and worthlessness.
* יוֹנָה (yonah, `{{H3123}}`): "Dove." Doves were common birds, often used for sacrificial offerings ([[Leviticus 1:14]]) and sometimes symbolizing purity or peace ([[Genesis 8:8-12]]). The stark juxtaposition of the "dove" with "dung" in H2755 creates a jarring image, emphasizing the tragic irony of a creature often associated with purity now linked to extreme degradation.
Other related concepts found in the immediate context of [[2 Kings 6:25]] include:
* Famine (רָעָב, ra'av, `{{H7458}}`): The overarching condition driving the desperate acts described.
* Siege (מָצוֹר, matsor, `{{H4692}}`): The military action leading to the famine.
* Uncleanliness and desperation: The mention of an ass's head (`{{H2543}}` for donkey, `{{H7218}}` for head) being consumed further emphasizes the violation of dietary laws and the depths of despair to which the people had sunk. This parallels the dire warnings in the Mosaic covenant regarding siege conditions ([[Deuteronomy 28:53-57]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חֲרֵי־יוֹנִים in [[2 Kings 6:25]] carries profound theological weight. It stands as a vivid, albeit repulsive, illustration of God's judgment and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. The siege of Samaria and the ensuing famine were understood as divine discipline for the persistent idolatry and disobedience of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
This word powerfully depicts the fulfillment of prophetic warnings, particularly those found in [[Deuteronomy 28:53-57]], which describe the horrors of siege, including starvation and extreme acts of desperation. The consumption of "doves' dung," whether literally excrement or a vile vegetable, underscores the complete collapse of societal order, the stripping away of human dignity, and the utter dependence on divine provision that had been tragically withdrawn. It highlights the depths to which a people can sink when they forsake their covenant relationship with God.
The passage, through this grim detail, serves as a stark reminder of the reality of suffering in a fallen world and the severe, yet just, nature of God's wrath against sin. It is a testament to the consequences of rebellion against the Divine will and a somber reflection on the fragility of life and the critical importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
### Summary
The Hebrew term חֲרֵי־יוֹנִים (chărêy-yôwnîym, `{{H2755}}`), transliterated as "doves' dung," is a unique and impactful word appearing solely in [[2 Kings 6:25]]. While its primary interpretation points to the literal excrement of doves, an alternative scholarly view suggests it refers to a low-value, wild vegetable. Regardless of the precise meaning, its context within the account of the severe famine during the Aramean siege of Samaria powerfully conveys the extreme desperation and suffering endured by the inhabitants. The exorbitant price paid for this meager substance, alongside an ass's head, vividly illustrates the dire scarcity of food and the profound depths of human degradation. Theologically, H2755 serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment, depicting the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings regarding famine and siege. It underscores the severe nature of God's discipline and the abject state to which a people can be reduced when they rebel against their Creator.
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