a primitive root; to braid (i.e. to entangle or snare) or catch (game) in anet; roast.
Transliteration:chârak
Pronunciation:khaw-rak'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H2760 (חָרַךְ, *chârak*) is a primitive root whose semantic range, as indicated by its base definition, encompasses two distinct yet potentially related fields. The primary definitions include "to braid" or "to entangle/snare," implying a process of weaving, intertwining, or capturing within a net-like structure. This suggests concepts of intricate design, entrapment, or binding. Simultaneously, the root also carries the meaning "to roast," which refers to the application of heat to food, typically over an open flame or in an oven, to cook or dry it.
While the definition suggests a dual meaning, the actual biblical attestation for H2760 is singular, primarily supporting the "roast" or "dry by fire" aspect. This raises a scholarly question regarding the relationship between "braiding/snaring" and "roasting." Some scholars propose a connection through the concept of a "gridiron" or "grill," which is a net-like structure used for roasting, thus potentially bridging the two semantic poles. Alternatively, the "braid/entangle" meaning might represent a broader conceptual range of the root, perhaps evidenced in cognate languages or derived from linguistic analysis of the root's core sense of "intertwining" or "binding," which is not directly attested in the Hebrew Bible for this specific word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2760 (חָרַךְ) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis highly focused on this singular instance.
In [[Leviticus 2:14]], the word is used in the context of the grain offering (מִנְחָה, *minchah*), specifically describing the preparation of firstfruits:
"And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears." (KJV)
Here, "dried by the fire" translates *chârak*. Other translations render it as "roasted" or "parched." The verse specifies that the firstfruits, in the form of "green ears of corn," are to be prepared by fire before being offered. This process of roasting or drying by fire is essential to make the grain suitable for the sacred offering. It transforms the raw agricultural product into an acceptable sacrifice, likely by making it more palatable, preserving it, or symbolizing a process of refinement. The use of fire in the preparation of offerings is a recurring motif in Levitical law, often signifying purification, transformation, and consecration to the Lord.
The singular occurrence firmly anchors H2760 within the semantic field of preparing food through heat, particularly in a cultic context, and does not provide direct evidence for the "braid/entangle/snare" meaning within the biblical text itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H2760 has a limited biblical footprint, its semantic fields connect it to broader categories of words.
Within the realm of "roasting" or "cooking with fire," H2760 relates to:
* `{{H6740}}` (צָלָה, *tsalah*): A more common verb for "to roast," often used for meat, as seen in [[1 Samuel 2:15]] and [[Isaiah 44:16]].
* `{{H3615}}` (כָּלָה, *kalah*): While primarily meaning "to complete" or "to consume," it can imply consumption by fire, as in `{{H3617}}` (כָּלִיל, *kalil*, "whole burnt offering").
* `{{H6867}}` (צָרַף, *tsarap*): "To refine," often by fire, though typically for metals rather than food, it shares the concept of transformation by heat.
If one considers the "braid/entangle/snare" aspect, though not directly attested for H2760 in the Bible, it would conceptually relate to:
* `{{H3369}}` (יָקֹשׁ, *yaqosh*): "To lay a snare" or "to entrap," often used metaphorically for deception or divine judgment (e.g., [[Psalm 124:7]]).
* `{{H6341}}` (פַּח, *pach*): "A snare" or "trap" (e.g., [[Psalm 91:3]]).
* `{{H4434}}` (מַכְמֹרֶת, *makhmoret*): "A net" or "fishing net" (e.g., [[Isaiah 19:8]]).
The unique position of H2760 lies in its specific application to the preparation of grain offerings, distinguishing it from general terms for roasting meat or laying snares.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2760 is inextricably linked to its sole appearance in [[Leviticus 2:14]] and the broader context of the Levitical sacrificial system. The act of "roasting" or "drying by fire" (חָרַךְ) the firstfruits for a grain offering carries several layers of meaning:
1. **Preparation for Sanctification:** The processing of raw grain through fire signifies a transformation, making the offering suitable and acceptable for presentation to Yahweh. It is a step in consecrating the common into the sacred, aligning with the divine demand for purity and proper order in worship.
2. **Symbolism of Fire:** Fire in biblical theology often represents the divine presence, holiness, judgment, and purification. By passing the firstfruits through fire, the offering is brought into contact with an element deeply associated with God's nature, perhaps symbolizing a divine refining or an act of dedication that purifies the offering.
3. **Wholehearted Devotion:** The offering of firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, *bikkurim*) itself is a profound act of faith and gratitude, acknowledging God as the source of all provision. The meticulous preparation, including the act of roasting, underscores the seriousness and reverence with which the worshiper is to approach God, offering not just the raw product but a carefully prepared and refined portion.
4. **Anticipation of Fullness:** The "green ears of corn" (אָבִיב, *aviv*) represent the beginning of the harvest. Roasting them signifies an early act of devotion, giving the initial bounty to God before the full harvest is gathered. This act of faith anticipates God's continued blessing and provision.
Though the "braid/entangle" meaning is not biblically attested for *chârak*, its potential underlying concept of intricate binding could, hypothetically, point to the meticulous and prescribed nature of the sacrificial rituals, where every detail was "woven" into the fabric of worship. However, based on biblical usage, the primary theological weight of H2760 resides in its connection to the sacred preparation of offerings through fire.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2760 (חָרַךְ, *chârak*) is a primitive root defined as "to braid (i.e. to entangle or snare)" and "to roast." Despite this dual semantic range, its single occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Leviticus 2:14]], exclusively employs the meaning "to roast" or "to dry by fire." In this context, *chârak* describes the necessary preparation of green ears of corn—the firstfruits—for a grain offering to the Lord. This act of roasting is a crucial step in the sanctification of the offering, transforming raw produce into a form acceptable for divine worship. The use of fire underscores themes of purification, dedication, and the meticulous care required in approaching God. While its "braid/entangle" meaning remains largely theoretical in biblical usage, H2760 fundamentally contributes to our understanding of the precise and reverent nature of ancient Israelite sacrificial practices.
TRV