### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **cheres**, represented by `{{H2789}}`, refers to **a piece of pottery** or an item that is **earthen**. It appears **17 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. The term can signify a finished product like an earthen vessel, a broken fragment or **sherd**, or even hard ground like a stone. Its meaning often emphasizes fragility, commonness, and disposability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2789}}` appears in contexts of law, prophecy, and human suffering. The Levitical laws distinguish between an **earthen** `{{H2789}}` **vessel** `{{H3627}}` and a **brasen** `{{H5178}}` pot; if made unclean, the earthen vessel must be **broken** `{{H7665}}`, while the metal one can be scoured and rinsed [[Leviticus 6:28]]. This highlights its disposable nature in ritual purity [[Leviticus 11:33]]. Prophets use the image of a shattered potsherd to symbolize complete destruction, where not even a **sherd** `{{H2789}}` is left to carry fire or water [[Isaiah 30:14]]. It also serves as a potent metaphor for human frailty, as when the psalmist’s strength is "dried up like a **potsherd**" [[Psalms 22:15]] or when Job takes a **potsherd** `{{H2789}}` to scrape himself in his affliction [[Job 2:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the use of earthenware:
* `{{H3335}}` **yâtsar** (potter): This term for one who fashions or forms is intrinsically linked to `{{H2789}}`. God is presented as the **potter**, and humanity as the **clay** `{{H2563}}` He works with [[Isaiah 64:8]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (vessel): This general term for an implement or container is often specified by `{{H2789}}` to mean an "earthen **vessel**." Such vessels were used in purification rites [[Leviticus 14:5]] and for preserving important documents [[Jeremiah 32:14]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to break): This action is consistently applied to earthen vessels. The law commanded that an unclean earthen vessel "shall be **broken**" [[Leviticus 15:12]], signifying an irreversible state.
* `{{H2563}}` **chômer** (clay): As the raw material for pottery, **clay** is central to the metaphor of the potter and his work. God reminds Israel that they are like **clay** in the **potter's** `{{H3335}}` hand [[Jeremiah 18:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2789}}` is significant, illustrating several key principles:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The image of a **potsherd** `{{H2789}}` arguing with its **Maker** `{{H3335}}` serves as a stark rebuke against questioning God's authority and wisdom [[Isaiah 45:9]].
* **Human Frailty:** The word is frequently used to represent the fragile and broken condition of humanity. The precious sons of Zion, once comparable to gold, are esteemed no more than **earthen** `{{H2789}}` pitchers [[Lamentations 4:2]].
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The act of smashing an earthen bottle becomes a prophetic sign of irrevocable judgment from the LORD [[Jeremiah 19:1]]. The resulting fragments are useless, symbolizing a nation's complete ruin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2789}}` moves from a simple descriptor of an earthen object to a profound theological symbol. It encapsulates the concepts of human fragility, the finality of divine judgment, the requirements for ritual purity, and the absolute authority of God as the **Potter** `{{H3335}}` over His creation. Whether as a vessel for holy **water** `{{H4325}}` [[Numbers 5:17]] or a worthless sherd, **cheres** demonstrates how the most common materials can convey deep spiritual truth.
TRV