from the same as כּוּר; properly, a deep round vessel, i.e. (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry; cor, measure. Aramaic the same.
Transliteration:kôr
Pronunciation:kore
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כֹּר (kôr), Strong's H3734, derives from a root associated with a deep, rounded vessel, akin to the word for a smelting furnace (`{{H3564}}`, כּוּר). This etymological connection underscores its primary meaning as a large container or, more specifically, a substantial unit of dry measure. In its most common biblical usage, the "cor" refers to a specific volume, often equated with the "homer" (`{{H2563}}`), a prominent measure for grains. While primarily designated for dry goods, its capacity was understood to be equivalent to ten "ephahs" (`{{H374}}`) for dry measure and ten "baths" (`{{H1324}}`) for liquid measure, as explicitly defined in prophetic literature. This makes the cor one of the largest capacity units in the ancient Israelite system of weights and measures, roughly equivalent to 220 liters or approximately 6 bushels.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כֹּר (kôr) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in contexts related to large-scale provisions, trade, and economic regulation.
In [[1 Kings 4:22]] (Hebrew 1 Kings 5:2), the "cor" is mentioned in the context of King Solomon's daily provisions for his household: "thirty cors of fine flour and sixty cors of meal." This highlights the immense scale of the royal court's sustenance and the abundance characteristic of Solomon's reign, emphasizing the cor as a significant quantity.
In [[1 Kings 5:11]] (Hebrew 1 Kings 5:25) and its parallel in [[2 Chronicles 2:10]] (Hebrew 2 Chronicles 2:9), the "cor" appears in the description of Solomon's annual payment to Hiram, King of Tyre, for timber for the temple: "twenty thousand cors of wheat for his household, and twenty cors of pure olive oil." The use of "cor" here for both wheat (a dry good) and oil (a liquid) demonstrates that while the measure was primarily associated with dry goods, its capacity was understood to be equivalent for liquids (where one cor equals ten baths). This indicates its function as a standard, large-volume unit in international trade and tribute.
Perhaps the most definitive biblical reference to the "cor" is found in [[Ezekiel 45:14]], where it is precisely defined within the divinely mandated system of temple measures: "The bath is to have the same capacity as the homer: both are to contain a tenth of a cor. The cor is to be ten homers or ten baths." This verse is crucial as it establishes the exact relationship between the cor and other fundamental units (homer and bath), solidifying its role as the largest foundational unit in the sacred economy. This context underscores the importance of accurate and standardized measures in the worship and life of the covenant community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word כֹּר (kôr) is intrinsically linked to several other terms and concepts within the biblical lexicon of weights and measures:
* **`{{H3564}}` (כּוּר, kûr):** The etymological root, meaning "furnace" or "smelting pot," which describes a deep, round vessel. This connection reinforces the physical shape from which the measure's name likely derived.
* **`{{H2563}}` (חֹמֶר, chomer):** The "homer," a dry measure often equated with the cor in capacity, or, as per [[Ezekiel 45:14]], one-tenth of a cor. This relationship is vital for understanding the hierarchy of ancient measures.
* **`{{H1324}}` (בַּת, bath):** The "bath," a liquid measure, which, according to [[Ezekiel 45:14]], had the same capacity as the homer and was also one-tenth of a cor.
* **`{{H374}}` (אֵיפָה, ephah):** A smaller dry measure, typically one-tenth of a homer, meaning one-hundredth of a cor.
* **Weights and Measures:** The concept of the "cor" is part of a broader biblical emphasis on just and accurate weights and measures (e.g., [[Leviticus 19:35-36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:13-16]], [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:10]]). The integrity of these units was a matter of divine command, reflecting God's character of righteousness and justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כֹּר (kôr) primarily resides in its context within the biblical narrative of divine provision, economic justice, and the administration of the covenant community.
Firstly, its appearance in the accounts of Solomon's reign ([[1 Kings 4:22]], [[1 Kings 5:11]]) speaks to the theme of **divine abundance and blessing**. The vast quantities of flour, meal, wheat, and oil measured in "cors" underscore the prosperity and material well-being that God bestowed upon Israel during this period, fulfilling His promises of a land flowing with milk and honey. This highlights God's capacity to provide generously for His people and the scale of His blessings.
Secondly, and perhaps most profoundly, the precise definition of the "cor" in [[Ezekiel 45:14]] within the context of temple regulations emphasizes **divine demand for justice and equity** in all economic dealings. The standardization of measures, particularly within the sacred economy of the temple, reflects God's character as one who demands integrity and abhors dishonest practices. Just weights and measures were not merely practical necessities but ethical imperatives, reflecting the order and righteousness of God. This principle extends beyond the temple to all commercial transactions, underscoring that economic activity is subject to divine scrutiny and moral standards.
Finally, the use of such a large measure implies the **stewardship of significant resources**. Whether it is the king managing national provisions or the temple administering offerings, the "cor" represents a substantial quantity that requires careful and righteous handling, reflecting a broader theological principle of responsible management of God-given blessings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֹּר (kôr), H3734, designates a large unit of dry measure, approximately equivalent to 220 liters, derived from the concept of a deep, round vessel. Biblically, it is found in contexts describing the immense daily provisions for King Solomon's household, the substantial payments in international trade, and, most importantly, as a precisely defined unit within the divinely ordained system of temple measures. Theologically, the "cor" serves as a testament to God's abundant provision for His people and, critically, underscores His unwavering demand for justice, accuracy, and integrity in all economic transactions, making it a tangible symbol of divine order and righteousness within the covenant community.
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