from חָרַשׁ; ploughing or its season; earing (time), ground.
Transliteration:chârîysh
Pronunciation:khaw-reesh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2758}}` (חָרִישׁ, *chârîysh*) is derived from the verbal root `{{H2790}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*), which fundamentally means "to cut into," "to engrave," or "to plough." From this root, chârîysh specifically denotes the act of ploughing, the season during which ploughing occurs, or, by extension, the ploughed or tilled ground itself. Its semantic range is thus tightly bound to the foundational agricultural activity of preparing the soil for cultivation. The term "earing time" found in some older translations refers to the period when grain forms ears, which naturally coincides with the season for preparing the ground for the next cycle of planting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chârîysh appears in three significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its meaning and importance:
1. **[[Genesis 45:6]]**: "For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest."
In this verse, Joseph explains the severity and duration of the famine in Egypt and Canaan. The mention of "neither ploughing nor harvest" (חָרִישׁ וְקָצִיר, *chârîysh wəqātsîr*) emphasizes the complete cessation of normal agricultural activity. Here, chârîysh clearly refers to the preparatory work of tilling the soil, indicating the absence of any hope for future crops without this initial step.
2. **[[Exodus 34:21]]**: "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in ploughing time and in harvest you shall rest."
This is perhaps the most theologically potent occurrence of chârîysh. It is part of the renewed covenant instructions given to Moses after the golden calf incident. The command to observe the Sabbath rest is absolute, even during the most demanding and economically critical seasons of the agricultural year: "ploughing time" (*chârîysh*) and "harvest" (*qatsir*). This highlights the supreme importance of the Sabbath commandment, transcending even the pressing needs of sustenance and livelihood.
3. **[[1 Samuel 8:12]]**: "And he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots."
Here, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the oppressive nature of a king. Among the king's demands will be the forced labor of the people, including those who will "plow his ground" (וְלַחֲרֹשׁ חֲרִישׁוֹ, *wəlacharosh chârîyshô*). In this instance, chârîysh refers to the ploughed land itself, the field that has been tilled and made ready for planting, which the king's servants will be compelled to work.
### Related Words & Concepts
chârîysh is intimately connected to the broader vocabulary of agriculture in ancient Israel. Its direct root, `{{H2790}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*), means "to plough," "to engrave," or "to devise," indicating the act of cutting or shaping. Other related terms include:
* `{{H4213}}` (מַחֲרֵשָׁה, *macharesha*), "ploughshare," the tool used for ploughing, also derived from `{{H2790}}`.
* `{{H2232}}` (זָרַע, *zara*), "to sow," the subsequent step after ploughing.
* `{{H7105}}` (קָצִיר, *qatsir*), "harvest," the culmination of the agricultural cycle.
* `{{H7704}}` (שָׂדֶה, *sadeh*), "field" or "cultivated land," the physical space for chârîysh.
The concept of chârîysh is also metaphorically linked to preparing the "fallow ground" of the heart, as seen in [[Hosea 10:12]] (using the verb charash): "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you." This connection highlights the spiritual necessity of preparing oneself to receive God's truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chârîysh is profound, particularly as it relates to divine provision, human labor, and covenant obedience.
1. **Divine Provision and Human Stewardship:** Ploughing represents the essential human effort required to cooperate with God's provision. God gives the land and the rain, but humanity must exert labor (chârîysh) to cultivate the earth and bring forth sustenance. It underscores the principle that while God provides, human industriousness is a necessary component of experiencing His blessing.
2. **The Sovereignty of the Sabbath:** The command in [[Exodus 34:21]] is a cornerstone of Israelite theology. By enjoining rest even during the critical seasons of chârîysh and harvest, God demonstrates that His commands supersede economic necessity and human anxiety. This teaches radical trust in God's ability to provide, even when ceasing labor seems counter-intuitive. It asserts that true security and well-being are found in obedience to God's ordained rhythms, rather than in relentless toil. The Sabbath is not merely a break from work; it is an act of faith and submission to God's sovereign care.
3. **Metaphor for Spiritual Preparation:** As seen in related concepts, the physical act of ploughing serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual preparation. Just as hard, unploughed ground cannot receive seed and yield fruit, so too a hardened or unprepared heart cannot readily receive the seed of God's Word and produce spiritual fruit. chârîysh thus speaks to the necessity of tilling the inner soil of one's being, breaking up resistance, and making oneself receptive to divine truth and transformation.
### Summary
`{{H2758}}` (חָרִישׁ, *chârîysh*) is a Hebrew term referring to the act of ploughing, the season dedicated to this essential agricultural task, or the ploughed ground itself. Derived from `{{H2790}}` "to cut into" or "to plough," its biblical occurrences in [[Genesis 45:6]], [[Exodus 34:21]], and [[1 Samuel 8:12]] highlight its fundamental role in the agricultural life of ancient Israel. Theologically, chârîysh underscores the vital partnership between human labor and divine provision, and most significantly, it serves as a powerful testament to the absolute priority of God's Sabbath command, even over the most pressing economic needs. Furthermore, it offers a rich metaphor for the spiritual preparation necessary to receive and bear fruit from God's Word.
TRV