or (with a directive enclitic) חַרְסָה; from an unused root meaning to scrape; also perhaps from the mediating idea of חַרְסוּת; the itch; the sun; itch, sun.
Transliteration:chereç
Pronunciation:kheh'-res
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2775}}` (חֶרֶס, *chereç*) presents a fascinating duality in its semantic range, encompassing two seemingly disparate core meanings: "the sun" and "the itch" (a skin disease). This lexical breadth is attributed by etymologists to an unused root meaning "to scrape." The connection between "scrape" and "the itch" is readily apparent, evoking the act of scratching to relieve irritation. The link to "the sun" is less direct but potentially arises from the sun's scorching effect, which can "scrape" or dry out the earth, or perhaps from the idea of the sun's disc being a smooth, "scraped" surface. Furthermore, the definition suggests a mediating idea from חַרְסוּת (related to pottery or potsherds), which are themselves "scraped" or broken pieces. This suggests a common conceptual root where the act of scraping, rubbing, or breaking apart underpins the various meanings, whether it be skin irritation, the sun's intense heat, or fragments of earthenware.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H2775}}` in the Hebrew Bible clearly delineate its two primary meanings:
1. **"The Sun":**
* In [[Judges 1:35]], the term appears as part of a geographical designation: "Mount Heres" (הַר חֶרֶס). This is widely understood as "Mount of the Sun," indicating a location possibly associated with sun worship or a prominent position from which the sun was observed. The context describes the Amorites' presence in this region, highlighting a geographical marker.
* [[Job 9:7]] uses `{{H2775}}` unequivocally to refer to the celestial body: "who commands the sun, and it does not rise; who seals up the stars." Here, the sun is presented as an object of divine control, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation and natural phenomena. The passage emphasizes God's immense power, contrasting it with human frailty.
2. **"The Itch" / "Skin Disease":**
* [[Deuteronomy 28:27]] lists `{{H2775}}` among the curses that will befall Israel if they disobey God's covenant: "The Lord will strike you with the boils of Egypt, and with tumors, and with the itch (וּבַחֶרֶס), and with the scab, from which you cannot be healed." In this context, *chereç* denotes a severe, incurable skin affliction, a tangible manifestation of divine judgment and physical suffering. It is grouped with other debilitating skin conditions, underscoring its nature as a painful and persistent disease.
The distinct contexts for each meaning strongly suggest that while etymologically linked, the words function as homonyms in their biblical usage, with the reader's understanding guided by the surrounding text.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological suggestion of a root meaning "to scrape" links `{{H2775}}` to a family of related Hebrew words, primarily those associated with pottery and the act of working with materials.
* **`{{H2776}}` (חֶרֶשׂ, *cheres*):** This noun specifically refers to a "potsherd," a broken piece of pottery or earthenware. This connection aligns with the idea of something "scraped" or broken off, reinforcing the proposed root meaning. Potsherds often symbolized fragility, worthlessness, or divine judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 30:14]], [[Psalm 2:9]]).
* **`{{H2777}}` (חַרְסִית, *charsith*):** An adjective meaning "earthen," specifically describing an "earthen vessel." This further solidifies the link to pottery and materials that are shaped or "scraped" from the earth.
* **`{{H2779}}` (חָרַשׁ, *charash*):** This verb has a broad semantic range, including "to engrave," "to plow," "to devise," or "to be silent/mute." While "to be silent" seems disparate, "to engrave" and "to plow" directly relate to the action of "scraping" or cutting into a surface, providing a deeper etymological connection to the proposed root of `{{H2775}}`.
* **Thematic Connections:** The "sun" meaning connects to broader biblical themes of creation, light, time, divine sovereignty over nature, and the dangers of idolatry (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[2 Kings 23:5]]). The "itch" meaning connects to themes of disease, physical suffering, divine judgment, and the consequences of disobedience to the covenant (e.g., [[Leviticus 13-14]] on skin diseases). The connection to "potsherd" (`{{H2776}}`) evokes concepts of human frailty and God's power to break and restore.
### Theological Significance
The dual meanings of `{{H2775}}` offer distinct yet profound theological insights:
1. **The Sun:** As "the sun," *chereç* points to God's absolute sovereignty and creative power. Unlike the surrounding pagan nations who worshipped the sun as a deity, Israel was commanded to recognize the sun as merely a created object, subject to the will of the Almighty ([[Job 9:7]]). This underscores monotheism and the rejection of idolatry. The sun's consistent rising and setting, its light and warmth, are expressions of God's faithfulness and the order He established in creation. It can also symbolize divine judgment when its heat becomes scorching or oppressive.
2. **The Itch/Skin Disease:** As "the itch" or a severe skin affliction, *chereç* serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's covenant. In [[Deuteronomy 28:27]], it is explicitly listed as a curse, a physical manifestation of divine displeasure. This highlights the biblical understanding that physical suffering can be a direct result of spiritual rebellion. It also emphasizes human vulnerability and the need for divine mercy and healing. The incurable nature implied in the Deuteronomic text underscores the severity of God's judgment and the depth of human brokenness.
While seemingly unrelated, both "sun" and "itch" ultimately speak to the power and justice of God. The sun is His creation, under His command; the itch is His judgment, a consequence of His righteous decree.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2775}}` (חֶרֶס, *chereç*) is a compelling example of lexical polysemy or homonymy in the biblical text. It carries two primary, distinct meanings: "the sun" and "the itch" (a severe skin disease). While etymologically linked to an unused root meaning "to scrape"—a concept that connects to scratching for relief from itching, the scorching effect of the sun, and the breaking of pottery (`{{H2776}}`)—its biblical occurrences clearly differentiate these senses. As "the sun," it underscores God's supreme sovereignty over creation and serves as a foil to pagan idolatry ([[Job 9:7]]). As "the itch," it represents a severe physical affliction, a tangible curse and a consequence of covenant disobedience ([[Deuteronomy 28:27]]). Both meanings, though disparate in their semantic content, ultimately point to the majestic power and righteous character of the God of Israel, whether in His ordering of the cosmos or His just dealings with humanity.
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