from חֶרֶס (apparently in the sense of a red tile used for scraping); a potsherd, i.e. (by implication) a pottery; the name of a gate at Jerusalem; east.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **charçûwth**, represented by `{{H2777}}`, is a term used to name a specific gate in Jerusalem, translated as **east**. Its base definition links it to the idea of a potsherd or pottery. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its significance highly specific to its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2777}}` is in the book of Jeremiah. The prophet is commanded by God to go forth `{{H3318}}` to "the valley `{{H1516}}` of the son `{{H1121}}` of Hinnom `{{H2011}}`" [[Jeremiah 19:2]]. The location is precisely identified as being by the entry `{{H6607}}` of the **east** gate `{{H8179}}`. It is at this very gate that Jeremiah is instructed to proclaim `{{H7121}}` the words `{{H1697}}` that God would tell `{{H1696}}` him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of this unique location:
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This word for an opening or door of a city is directly modified by **charçûwth**. Gates were significant public places, as seen in the command to "Enter into his **gates** with thanksgiving" [[Psalms 100:4]] and the promise that Abraham's seed would possess the **gate** of his enemies [[Genesis 22:17]].
* `{{H1516}}` **gayʼ** (valley): The **east** gate led to a specific **valley**, or gorge. This term is used to describe places of trial, like the "**valley** of the shadow of death" [[Psalms 23:4]], but also places of future transformation where every **valley** shall be exalted [[Isaiah 40:4]].
* `{{H2011}}` **Hinnôm** (Hinnom): The valley outside the `{{H2777}}` gate is explicitly named the Valley of the son of **Hinnom**. This location is repeatedly associated with idolatrous practices, including causing children to pass through the fire to Molech ([[2 Kings 23:10]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2777}}` is derived entirely from its specific placement in Jeremiah's prophetic act.
* **Symbolic Naming:** The name **charçûwth** is derived from a word for "a potsherd," suggesting a theme of things that are broken or disposable, which frames the message of judgment Jeremiah was sent to deliver.
* **Gateway to Judgment:** The gate's physical location serves as an entrance to the Valley of Hinnom [[Jeremiah 19:2]], a place notorious for Israel's most grievous sins ([[2 Kings 23:10]], [[Jeremiah 32:35]]). By positioning the proclamation here, God directly confronts the nation's rebellion.
* **A Site for Divine Proclamation:** God repurposes this location. Instead of being solely a place of sin, the gate becomes a stage for the divine `word` `{{H1697}}` to be proclaimed `{{H7121}}`. The command for Jeremiah to speak God's message at this specific entry point underscores that God's authority penetrates even the most defiled places [[Jeremiah 19:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2777}}` is a term whose importance is defined entirely by its singular, powerful context. While it simply identifies the "**east** gate," its connection to the Valley of Hinnom and its use as the setting for a divine proclamation gives it immense weight. The word illustrates how biblical geography is deeply intentional, with a specific gate serving as a physical and symbolic threshold where human sin is confronted by God's authoritative word.
TRV