כּוֹר עָשָׁן

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew term Kôwr ʻÂshân H3565, transliterated as Chorashan, is defined as "furnace of smoke." This name identifies a place in Palestine. It is a highly specific reference, appearing only 1 time in a single verse within the entire Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H3565 is in 1 Samuel 30:30. In this passage, Chorashan is included in a list of places. The verse presents it as a recipient location, mentioned in a sequence alongside two other places, Hormah and Athach. Its role in the biblical narrative is confined to this single, specific enumeration.

Related Words & Concepts

Chorashan is mentioned alongside other named locations, which helps establish its geographical context:

• H2767 Chormâh (devoted): This place in Palestine, also known as Hormah, is mentioned in several contexts, including conflicts with the Canaanites Numbers 21:3 and as a city within the territory of Simeon Judges 1:17.
• H6269 ʻĂthâk (lodging): This place in Palestine, also known as Athach, is mentioned only in the same list as Chorashan and Hormah 1 Samuel 30:30.

Theological Significance

The significance of H3565 is primarily geographical and historical rather than overtly theological. Its inclusion in scripture serves a specific narrative function.

• Geographical Marker: Chorashan is identified as a specific place in Palestine, grounding the account in 1 Samuel 30:30 in a real-world setting.
• Part of a Record: Its sole mention is as an item in a list, indicating its role in a historical record of distribution.
• Derived Name: The name itself, meaning "furnace of smoke," is descriptive, but its direct theological application is not specified in the text where it appears.

Summary

In summary, Kôwr ʻÂshân H3565 is a precise geographical term for a place called Chorashan. Its name means "furnace of smoke," and it appears only once in the Bible in 1 Samuel 30:30. Unlike words with broad theological weight, its function in scripture is to identify one of the specific locations in a historical list, mentioned alongside Hormah and Athach. Its significance is therefore tied entirely to this single, specific context.