from חָרַף; properly, the crop gathered, i.e. (by implication) the autumn (and winter) season; figuratively, ripeness of age; cold, winter (-house), youth.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôreph**, represented by `{{H2779}}`, refers to the autumn and winter season. It is derived from a word meaning "the crop gathered" and carries meanings of **winter**, cold, a winter house, and figuratively, the ripeness of age or **youth**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its role in describing both natural seasons and aspects of human life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2779}}` establishes the rhythm of the seasons as part of God's created order. Following the flood, God promises that "summer and **winter**" will not cease as long as the earth remains [[Genesis 8:22]]. This divine establishment of seasons is also affirmed in Psalms, which states that God has made both "summer and **winter**" [[Psalms 74:17]]. The word is also used to describe a specific dwelling, the "**winter** house," a place of comfort for a king [[Jeremiah 36:22]] but also a symbol of luxury marked for judgment [[Amos 3:15]]. Figuratively, it can denote the prime of one's life, as when Job reminisces about the days of his **youth** [[Job 29:4]]. In a practical sense, it signifies the **cold** that provides an excuse for the lazy [[Proverbs 20:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **chôreph** is used:
* `{{H7019}}` **qayits** (summer): This word for the dry season or harvest time is the direct counterpart to **chôreph**. They frequently appear as a pair to signify the complete cycle of a year, established and governed by God ([[Genesis 8:22]], [[Psalms 74:17]]).
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term for a dwelling is combined with `{{H2779}}` to form the specific phrase "**winter** house" ([[Amos 3:15]], [[Jeremiah 36:22]]), demonstrating how the season dictates the function and nature of a structure.
* `{{H6102}}` **ʻâtsêl** (sluggard): This word describes the indolent person who fails to act. The **sluggard** does not plow because of the **chôreph**, or cold, linking the season to a test of foresight and diligence [[Proverbs 20:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2779}}` is seen in its connection to God's governance over creation and humanity.
* **Divine Order:** The existence of **winter** is presented as a direct result of God's creative act and his covenant promise to maintain the cycles of the natural world, demonstrating His faithfulness and sovereignty ([[Genesis 8:22]], [[Psalms 74:17]]).
* **Human Accountability:** The season serves as a backdrop for wisdom and morality. In Proverbs, the **cold** of `{{H2779}}` becomes a test of character, revealing the laziness of the sluggard who will consequently face lack in the harvest [[Proverbs 20:4]].
* **Prophetic Significance:** The term is used in prophecies of both judgment and restoration. God declares He will strike the "**winter** house," a symbol of decadent luxury [[Amos 3:15]]. Yet, in a vision of future blessing, living waters will flow from Jerusalem continuously, in **winter** as well as summer [[Zechariah 14:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2779}}` is a multifaceted term. While it literally denotes the winter season, it functions as a cornerstone in the biblical understanding of God's established order. It carries layers of meaning, from the predictable cold that governs agriculture to a figurative representation of youth. It is used to illustrate themes of divine faithfulness, human responsibility, and God's ultimate judgment and restoration.
TRV