### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **cheresh**, represented by `{{H2791}}`, carries a dual meaning related to both secrecy and craftsmanship. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root associated with magical craft, its definitions include silence, cunning, and secretly, pointing to actions or skills that are specialized and not common knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2791}}` is used in two primary contexts. It describes an action performed with stealth, as when Joshua sent two men to spy **secretly** on the land of Jericho [[Joshua 2:1]]. It also identifies a person with a specific skill, translated as **artificer** or **craftsmen**. This is seen in Isaiah's list of key societal figures, which includes the "cunning **artificer**" [[Isaiah 3:3]]. This meaning is further established in genealogical and geographical records that refer to a community of **craftsmen** [[1 Chronicles 4:14]] and the "valley of **craftsmen**" [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{H2791}}`:
* `{{H2450}}` **châkâm**: This term for **wise**, **skilful**, or **cunning** appears alongside `{{H2791}}` in [[Isaiah 3:3]] to describe the "cunning artificer," emphasizing the intelligence and artful skill associated with the craft.
* `{{H2798}}` **Chărâshîym**: Defined as **mechanics** or **craftsmen**, this word is used as the proper name for the "valley of craftsmen" [[Nehemiah 11:35]]. This place is mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 4:14]], where its founder is noted and its inhabitants are identified as **craftsmen** `{{H2791}}`.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H2791}}` is twofold, reflecting its different applications:
* **Cunning and Secrecy:** The use of the word to describe the spies' mission in Jericho highlights the theme of strategic concealment [[Joshua 2:1]]. It denotes an action intentionally hidden from view, a necessary component of espionage and military intelligence.
* **The Role of the Artisan:** The term designates a valued societal role. An **artificer** `{{H2791}}` was considered a significant figure, listed among captains, counselors, and orators [[Isaiah 3:3]]. The existence of a "valley of **craftsmen**" [[Nehemiah 11:35]] suggests that these skills were important enough to define a community's identity and location.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2791}}` is a specific term that encapsulates both the concept of secrecy and the identity of a skilled artisan. While seemingly distinct, these meanings are connected by the idea of specialized knowledge—whether in the execution of a covert mission or the practice of a particular craft. Its limited but precise appearances in scripture offer a glimpse into both the tactical use of stealth and the valued place of **craftsmen** within ancient Israelite society.
TRV