a primitive root; to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars; dig (through), row.
Transliteration:châthar
Pronunciation:khaw-thar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2864}}` (חָתַר, *châthar*) carries the primary meaning of "to force a passage" or "to make a way through an obstruction." This core concept manifests in two distinct yet related semantic fields:
1. **Physical Penetration/Breaching:** This refers to the act of digging or breaking through a solid barrier, such as a wall or a house. It implies an aggressive, often clandestine, effort to gain entry where access is otherwise denied.
2. **Propulsion/Movement Against Resistance:** Figuratively, the word extends to the strenuous effort of moving through a medium, specifically water, by means of oars. Here, the "forcing a passage" is about propelling a vessel forward against the resistance of the water, requiring significant exertion.
The underlying thread in both applications is the overcoming of an impediment through determined action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H2864}}` appears three times in the Masoretic Text, each offering a distinct contextual nuance:
* **[[Job 24:16]]**: "In the dark they dig through houses; they seal themselves away by day; they do not know the light." Here, *châthar* is used to describe the illicit activity of burglars who "dig through" (יַחְתְּרוּ) houses under the cover of darkness. This highlights the clandestine, destructive, and morally reprehensible aspect of forcing a passage for nefarious gain. The act is associated with those who shun the light, emphasizing its evil intent.
* **[[Ezekiel 8:8]]**: "Then he said to me, 'Son of man, dig through the wall.' So I dug through the wall, and behold, there was an opening." In this prophetic vision, God commands Ezekiel to "dig through" (חֲתָר) a wall. Unlike the context in Job, this is not an act of transgression but a divinely commanded action to reveal hidden abominations and idolatry within the temple precincts. The act of digging here serves a revelatory purpose, exposing what is concealed to the prophet's eye. It signifies penetration for the sake of divine disclosure.
* **[[Jonah 1:13]]**: "Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to return to the land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them." Here, *châthar* (וַיַּחְתְּרוּ) is translated as "rowed hard." The sailors on Jonah's ship are exerting immense effort, forcing their way through the stormy sea with their oars, attempting to reach the safety of the land. This usage exemplifies the figurative sense of propelling oneself against resistance. Despite their strenuous exertion, their efforts are ultimately futile against the divine tempest, underscoring the limits of human power in the face of God's sovereign will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H2864}}` connects with several other Hebrew terms:
* **Digging/Breaking**: Words like `{{H2042}}` (חָפַר, *châphar*, "to dig, search out") and `{{H6555}}` (פָּרַץ, *pāratz*, "to break through, burst forth") share the idea of penetrating a barrier. While *châthar* specifically implies a forceful, often surreptitious, penetration, *châphar* is more general for digging, and *pāratz* for breaking out or through with force.
* **Effort/Toil**: The concept of strenuous exertion, particularly evident in the "rowing" sense, aligns with words like `{{H3021}}` (יָגַע, *yâga*, "to toil, labor") and `{{H5998}}` (עָמָל, *âmâl*, "toil, labor, trouble"). These words emphasize the difficulty and intense effort involved in the action.
* **Concealment/Revelation**: The contrast between the illicit digging in Job and the revelatory digging in Ezekiel brings to mind terms related to hiding and uncovering. `{{H5641}}` (עָלַם, *âlam*, "to hide, conceal") represents the state of being hidden, while `{{H1540}}` (גָּלָה, *gâlâh*, "to uncover, reveal") denotes the act of bringing something to light, much like Ezekiel's act of digging.
### Theological Significance
The sparse but significant occurrences of `{{H2864}}` offer several theological insights:
1. **Moral Ambiguity of Action**: The word vividly illustrates that an action itself is morally neutral; its ethical character is determined by the intent and context. "Digging through" can be a wicked act of burglary ([[Job 24:16]]) or a righteous act of obedience and divine revelation ([[Ezekiel 8:8]]). This highlights the biblical emphasis on the heart and purpose behind human deeds.
2. **Human Agency and Its Limits**: In both the "digging" and "rowing" contexts, *châthar* speaks to human effort and determination in overcoming obstacles. However, the Jonah narrative profoundly demonstrates the limits of human agency when confronted with divine sovereignty. Despite their most strenuous efforts, the sailors cannot prevail against God's will, underscoring the truth that human striving is ultimately subordinate to divine purpose.
3. **Divine Revelation and Judgment**: Ezekiel's act of digging, commanded by God, serves as a powerful metaphor for divine revelation. God "digs through" the facade of piety to expose the hidden idolatry and sin, bringing judgment to light. This suggests that God can penetrate any human barrier or deception to reveal truth and execute justice.
### Summary
The Hebrew root {{H2864}}` (חָתַר, *châthar*) fundamentally conveys the idea of "forcing a passage." This core meaning branches into two main applications: the literal act of "digging through" a physical barrier (such as a wall or house) and the figurative act of "rowing hard" to propel a vessel through water. Biblical usage showcases this word in contexts of illicit activity ([[Job 24:16]]), divinely commanded revelation ([[Ezekiel 8:8]]), and intense human effort against overwhelming natural forces ([[Jonah 1:13]]). The theological implications are rich, illustrating the moral neutrality of actions apart from their intent, the limitations of human agency in the face of divine sovereignty, and God's capacity to penetrate hidden realities for the sake of revelation and judgment. It is a word that speaks to the strenuous overcoming of obstacles, whether for good or ill, and the ultimate triumph of God's will.
TRV