a collateral form mediating between חֶרֶס and חֶרֶשׁ; a piece of pottery; earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone.
Transliteration:cheres
Pronunciation:kheh'-res
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2789}}` (חֶרֶשׂ, *cheres*) primarily denotes a "piece of pottery," a "sherd," or an "earthen vessel." Its etymological root suggests a connection to clay and the act of forming, as indicated by its relationship to `{{H2788}}` (חֶרֶס, *cheres*), which can mean "potter's clay" or "earthenware," and `{{H2790}}` (חֶרֶשׁ, *cheresh*), meaning "craftsman" or "artisan." Thus, `{{H2789}}` represents the tangible product or fragment of a potter's work. The semantic range emphasizes commonness, fragility, and often, a state of brokenness or uselessness. While the base definition includes "[phrase] stone," this usage is rare and typically refers to a hard, broken piece akin to a sherd, rather than a general rock or stone. The predominant sense is that of a ceramic fragment or object, often of little inherent value.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2789}}` appears in various contexts, consistently conveying themes of fragility, lowliness, and destruction:
* **Suffering and Abasement:** In [[Job 2:8]], Job takes a *cheres* (sherd) to scrape himself while afflicted with painful sores. This image powerfully conveys extreme suffering, degradation, and the lowest state of human existence, where even a broken piece of pottery is used for relief. Similarly, in [[Psalm 22:15]], a messianic psalm describing intense suffering, the psalmist laments, "My strength is dried up like a potsherd (`{{H2789}}`), and my tongue sticks to my jaws." Here, the image of a dried, brittle potsherd vividly portrays extreme dehydration, weakness, and the verge of death, highlighting the vulnerability of the suffering one.
* **Deception and Superficiality:** [[Proverbs 26:23]] uses `{{H2789}}` metaphorically: "Like an earthen vessel (`{{H2789}}`) overlaid with silver dross are burning lips and a wicked heart." This proverb illustrates the deceptive nature of someone whose outwardly zealous or smooth words conceal a corrupt and malicious heart. The cheap earthen vessel, superficially coated with worthless dross made to look like silver, represents the hypocrisy of such a person.
* **Utter Destruction and Uselessness:** The prophetic book of Isaiah employs `{{H2789}}` to depict complete and irreversible ruin. In [[Isaiah 30:14]], concerning God's judgment on rebellious Israel, it is stated, "And its breaking is like the breaking of a potter's vessel, that is shivered in pieces, so that there shall not be found among the pieces of it a sherd (`{{H2789}}`) to take fire from the hearth, or to take water out of the pit." This imagery underscores a destruction so thorough that not even a useful fragment remains, signifying utter desolation and the complete loss of purpose or value.
* **Loss of Esteem and Commonness:** [[Lamentations 4:2]] contrasts the once-precious sons of Zion with their current state: "The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how they are esteemed as earthen pots (`{{H2789}}`), the work of the hands of the potter!" This verse laments the tragic fall from glory and honor to a state of commonness, fragility, and disregard, akin to inexpensive, easily broken pottery.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H2789}}` is enriched by its relationship to several other key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H2788}}` (חֶרֶס, *cheres*):** This word is closely related, often referring to "potter's clay" or "earthenware," providing the raw material or the broader category from which the "sherd" originates. It can also mean "sun," but the "clay" sense is more relevant here.
* **`{{H2790}}` (חֶרֶשׁ, *cheresh*):** Meaning "craftsman" or "artisan," this term points to the one who fashions the pottery, highlighting the creative act that precedes the existence of the *cheres*.
* **`{{H3335}}` (יָצַר, *yatsar*):** This verb means "to form, fashion, or make," and is frequently used to describe God as the divine Potter who shapes humanity from the dust of the earth ([[Genesis 2:7]]) or molds nations according to His will ([[Jeremiah 18:6]]). The concept of *cheres* naturally evokes the work of the *yatsar*.
* **`{{H3627}}` (כְּלִי, *keli*):** A general term for "vessel," "utensil," or "article," `{{H3627}}` encompasses *cheres* as a specific type of vessel, often emphasizing its utility or purpose.
* **Fragility and Mortality:** The inherent nature of pottery, especially a sherd, symbolizes the transient and delicate nature of human life and earthly achievements.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The potter's absolute control over the clay and the finished vessel (or its destruction) serves as a potent metaphor for God's sovereign power over humanity and nations, as seen in Jeremiah 18.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2789}}` is profound, primarily serving as a metaphor for human existence and divine action:
* **Human Frailty and Commonness:** The most pervasive theological implication is that of humanity's inherent weakness, vulnerability, and common origin. Like an earthen vessel, humans are easily broken, subject to decay, and ultimately return to dust. This humility reminds humanity of its creaturely status before the Creator. The New Testament echoes this concept in [[2 Corinthians 4:7]], speaking of "treasure in earthen vessels" (`{{G3007}}`), emphasizing that divine power is manifested through human weakness.
* **Suffering and Humiliation:** The use of *cheres* in contexts of suffering (Job, Psalm 22) underscores the extreme degradation and abasement that can accompany affliction. It points to a state of being utterly broken, stripped of dignity, and reduced to the most basic, vulnerable form. This imagery is particularly poignant in the prophetic depiction of the suffering Messiah.
* **Divine Judgment and Absolute Destruction:** When God's judgment falls, the breaking of a *cheres* signifies complete and irreversible destruction. It illustrates the finality of divine wrath, where nothing salvageable or useful remains, emphasizing the severe consequences of rebellion against God.
* **God's Prerogative as Potter:** While *cheres* itself is the product, its existence inherently points to the Potter. The fragility and commonness of the earthen vessel highlight God's absolute sovereignty over His creation. He has the right to mold, use, or even shatter His creation according to His divine will and purpose, a theme powerfully articulated in Jeremiah 18 and Romans 9.
### Summary
`{{H2789}}` (חֶרֶשׂ, *cheres*) is a Hebrew term signifying a "piece of pottery," a "sherd," or an "earthen vessel." Its core meaning emphasizes commonness, fragility, and often a state of brokenness or uselessness. Biblically, it is consistently employed to convey profound theological truths: it illustrates the depths of human suffering and abasement ([[Job 2:8]], [[Psalm 22:15]]), highlights the deceptive nature of outward appearances concealing inner corruption ([[Proverbs 26:23]]), and powerfully symbolizes utter, irreparable destruction as a consequence of divine judgment ([[Isaiah 30:14]]). Furthermore, it underscores the fragility and commonness of humanity in contrast to its former glory ([[Lamentations 4:2]]). Related to terms like `{{H2788}}` (clay) and `{{H3335}}` (to form), *cheres* implicitly points to God's ultimate sovereignty as the divine Potter over His creation. Ultimately, the word serves as a potent reminder of human frailty and mortality, while simultaneously affirming God's absolute power and authority over all things.
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