from the same as חִשֻּׁר; properly, a combination or gathering, i.e. of watery clouds; dark.
Transliteration:chashrâh
Pronunciation:khash-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2841}}` (חַשְׁרָה, *chashrâh*) derives from the same root as `{{H2840}}` (חִשֻּׁר, *chishshur*), which conveys the idea of a "combination," "binding," or "gathering." Thus, the core meaning of chashrâh is properly a dense "gathering" or "massing." Specifically, its semantic range is narrowed to describe a collection of "watery clouds" or "darkness." This implies a thick, condensed, and often ominous assembly of atmospheric vapor, leading to the sense of "dark clouds" or "gloom." The emphasis is on the density and visual obscurity created by such a gathering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2841}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 22:12]]. This verse is part of David's song of deliverance, a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God for His mighty acts of salvation. The parallel passage is found in [[Psalm 18:11]].
In [[2 Samuel 22:12]], the text reads: "And he made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies." Here, chashrâh is translated as "thick clouds" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "dense clouds" (NIV). The context is a powerful poetic description of God's majestic appearance in a storm-theophany. God is depicted as emerging from a profound, awe-inspiring concealment. The "darkness" (חֹשֶׁךְ, *choshek*) serves as His "secret place," and His "pavilion" or "canopy" is formed by "dark waters" (מַיִם חֲשׁוּכִים, *mayim chashukim*) and "thick clouds" (chashrâh). This imagery conveys both the hiddenness and the overwhelming power of the divine presence. The clouds are not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a veil and a manifestation of the Almighty's unapproachable glory and sovereign control over creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which `{{H2841}}` is derived, `{{H2840}}` (חִשֻּׁר, *chishshur*), which refers to a "combination" or "binding," reinforcing the idea of a dense "gathering" of clouds.
Other Hebrew words related to clouds, darkness, and divine manifestation include:
* `{{H6051}}` (עָנָן, *anan*): A general term for "cloud," often associated with God's presence (e.g., the pillar of cloud).
* `{{H6145}}` (עָב, *av*): Refers to a "thick cloud," often denoting the cloud of God's glory or a storm cloud.
* `{{H6205}}` (עֲרָפֶל, *araphel*): Signifies "thick darkness" or "gloom," frequently used in contexts of divine revelation, such as God's descent on Mount Sinai (e.g., [[Exodus 20:21]]).
* `{{H2822}}` (חֹשֶׁךְ, *choshek*): The general word for "darkness," which appears alongside chashrâh in [[2 Samuel 22:12]], highlighting the obscured nature of God's dwelling.
The concept of God appearing amidst clouds, darkness, and storm imagery is a recurring motif in biblical theology, signifying His transcendence, power, and often His intervention in human affairs, whether for salvation or judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H2841}}` in [[2 Samuel 22:12]] is profoundly significant for understanding the biblical portrayal of God's majesty. The "thick clouds" (chashrâh) serve as a key element in a theophanic description, emphasizing several theological truths:
1. **Divine Transcendence and Hiddenness:** The clouds and darkness form God's "secret place" and "pavilion," signifying His unapproachable holiness and the mystery of His being. He is not fully comprehensible or visible to human eyes, yet He chooses to reveal Himself.
2. **Sovereign Power and Control:** God's appearance in a storm-like manifestation, with "thick clouds" and "dark waters," underscores His absolute dominion over creation and natural forces. He commands the elements, using them as His instruments.
3. **Judgment and Salvation:** In the context of David's song, this terrifying display of divine power is ultimately for the purpose of delivering His servant from enemies. The "thick clouds" are part of the divine warrior's arsenal, bringing both terror to foes and salvation to the faithful.
4. **Awe and Reverence:** The imagery evokes a sense of profound awe and reverence for God. His presence is not merely powerful but also majestic and overwhelming, inspiring both fear and worship. The chashrâh thus contributes to the biblical understanding of God as both intimately involved in human history and utterly transcendent.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2841}}` (חַשְׁרָה, *chashrâh*) denotes a dense "gathering" of "watery clouds," signifying "darkness" or "thick clouds." Though appearing only once in [[2 Samuel 22:12]] (parallel to [[Psalm 18:11]]), its singular usage is highly impactful. It describes the majestic and awe-inspiring backdrop of God's theophanic appearance, where "thick clouds" form His secret dwelling and pavilion. This imagery powerfully conveys God's transcendence, His sovereign control over creation, and His unapproachable glory. Chashrâh contributes to a rich biblical motif of divine manifestation, underscoring both the hiddenness and the overwhelming power of the Almighty, inspiring reverence and trust in His salvific acts.
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