### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kôr**, represented by `{{H3734}}`, is a specific unit of measure. It appears **9 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term refers to a **cor**, a large measure used for dry goods, and is defined as a deep round vessel. Aramaic uses the same word.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{H3734}}` is consistently used to quantify massive amounts of provisions, tribute, and payments. It illustrates the scale of royal administration and international agreements. For King Solomon's household, the daily provision included thirty **measures** of fine flour and sixty **measures** of meal [[1 Kings 4:22]]. As part of a treaty, Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand **measures** of wheat for his household [[1 Kings 5:11]]. The term also appears in the context of tribute, with the children of Ammon paying ten thousand **measures** of wheat and ten thousand of barley to King Jotham [[2 Chronicles 27:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The significance of `{{H3734}}` is further clarified by its relationship to other biblical measures and commodities:
* `{{H2563}}` **chômer** (homer, clay): This dry measure is explicitly equated with the **cor**. Ezekiel establishes the standard that "ten baths are an **homer**" and the **cor** is "an **homer** of ten baths" [[Ezekiel 45:14]]. This word can also mean **clay**, as in "we are the **clay**, and thou our potter" [[Isaiah 64:8]].
* `{{H1324}}` **bath** (bath): A Hebrew measure for liquids. The **cor** is defined by its relationship to the **bath**, with one cor equaling ten baths [[Ezekiel 45:14]]. This connects the standards for both dry and liquid measurements.
* `{{H2406}}` **chiṭṭâh** (wheat): This is one of the primary commodities measured by the **cor**. It was used as payment to Solomon's timber cutters [[2 Chronicles 2:10]] and given as annual tribute by the Ammonites [[2 Chronicles 27:5]].
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): Another essential grain measured by the **cor**, often mentioned alongside wheat in records of large-scale provisions and payments [[2 Chronicles 2:10]].
### Theological Significance
While a practical term, the use of `{{H3734}}` carries significant weight in understanding biblical economics and justice.
* **Royal and National Economy:** The immense quantities measured in **cors**, such as the provisions for Solomon's projects, demonstrate the wealth and administrative capacity of the Israelite kingdom at its height [[2 Chronicles 2:10]].
* **Standard for Justice:** In Ezekiel's vision for a restored Israel, the **cor** (as the homer) is established as the foundational standard from which other measures are derived. This highlights a divine concern for fairness and order in commerce and religious life [[Ezekiel 45:14]].
* **Substance of Agreements:** The **cor** quantifies the tangible assets used in treaties and as payment for labor, such as the thousands of **measures** of wheat and oil Solomon gave to Hiram, grounding covenants in concrete economic reality [[1 Kings 5:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3734}}` is more than just an archaic unit of volume. It serves as a window into the economic life of ancient Israel, representing large-scale commerce, royal power, and international tribute. Its use in Ezekiel's prophecy elevates it from a simple measure to a component of divine order and justice, ensuring fairness in the community's economic and devotional life.
TRV