from עָכַר; troubled; Akor, the name of a place in Palestine; Achor.
Transliteration:ʻÂkôwr
Pronunciation:aw-kore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H5911 (ʻÂkôwr) is derived directly from the verb H5916 (ʻâkar), which signifies "to trouble," "to disturb," or "to stir up." Thus, the core meaning of H5911 is "troubled," "disturbed," or "afflicted." While it can function adjectivally, its most prominent usage in the Hebrew Bible is as a proper noun: "Achor," referring to a specific geographical location, the "Valley of Achor." The name itself is etymologically loaded, embodying the very concept of trouble or disturbance, thereby serving as a mnemonic for the events that transpired there.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary occurrences of H5911 are found in the book of Joshua, where the "Valley of Achor" is established as a place of significant historical and theological import.
* In [[Joshua 7:24]] and [[Joshua 7:26]], the valley is explicitly named "Achor" ("trouble") due to the grievous sin of Achan, who took devoted things from Jericho, bringing "trouble" upon Israel. It was here that Achan, his family, and his possessions were destroyed, marking a pivotal moment of divine judgment and purification for the nascent nation. The naming of the valley serves as a perpetual reminder of the severe consequences of disobedience and the corporate solidarity of Israel before God.
* [[Joshua 15:7]] lists the Valley of Achor as a geographical marker, defining part of the northern boundary of the tribe of Judah, extending from Debir. This indicates its established recognition as a notable landmark within the Promised Land.
Beyond Joshua, H5911 appears in two crucial prophetic contexts, demonstrating a profound semantic and theological development:
* [[Isaiah 65:10]] speaks of a future restoration for God's people, where the "Valley of Achor" will become "a resting place for herds," specifically "for my people who have sought me." This prophetic vision transforms a place of judgment and trouble into one of peace, blessing, and divine favor, symbolizing the new creation and the security of the faithful remnant.
* [[Hosea 2:15]] (Hebrew [[Hosea 2:17]]) offers an even more striking transformation, declaring that God will give Israel "her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope." This profound reinterpretation suggests that the very place associated with Israel's past sin and judgment will become a gateway to future blessing, restoration, and renewed covenant relationship, particularly in the context of Israel's return from exile and spiritual renewal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root verb H5916 (ʻâkar), from which H5911 is derived. This verb consistently carries the meaning of "to trouble," "to disturb," or "to stir up," often with negative connotations of defilement or causing distress.
Conceptually, H5911 is intertwined with:
* **Sin and Disobedience:** Achan's transgression is the foundational event.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequence:** The valley's naming signifies God's justice against sin.
* **Defilement:** Achan's act defiled the camp of Israel, bringing "trouble."
* **Corporate Solidarity:** The entire community suffered due to one individual's sin.
* **Hope and Restoration:** The prophetic passages introduce a radical reversal of fortune.
* **New Covenant and Blessing:** The transformation of Achor points to God's redemptive work.
Contrasting concepts include peace, purity, blessing, and rest, which are ultimately achieved through God's redemptive work, even in the very place of past trouble.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H5911 and the "Valley of Achor" is multifaceted and profound, evolving from a symbol of judgment to one of hope.
Initially, the Valley of Achor serves as a stark biblical paradigm for the **consequences of sin** and the **demand for holiness**. Achan's sin, though committed by an individual, brought corporate trouble upon the entire community of Israel, illustrating the interconnectedness of the covenant people and the seriousness with which God views disobedience that defiles His holy presence. It underscores God's **impartial justice** and the necessity of purging evil from the midst of His people to maintain their covenant relationship and ensure their success in the land.
However, the prophetic utterances concerning Achor introduce a radical and beautiful theological transformation. In [[Isaiah 65:10]], the "Valley of Trouble" becomes a "resting place for herds," symbolizing God's promise of **peace and security** for His redeemed people in a renewed creation. This points to a future where the scars of past judgment are healed and replaced with divine blessing.
Even more powerfully, [[Hosea 2:15]] elevates Achor to a profound symbol of **divine grace and redemptive hope**. The "Valley of Achor" is transformed into a "door of hope" (petach tiqvah). This signifies that even the places and experiences of deepest trouble, judgment, and failure can be divinely re-purposed by God to become conduits for new beginnings, restoration, and renewed intimacy with Him. It is a powerful testament to God's ability to bring life from death, blessing from curse, and hope from despair, particularly in the context of His covenant faithfulness to Israel and, by extension, to all who turn to Him in repentance. This transformation foreshadows the ultimate redemption found in Christ, where the place of our deepest trouble (sin and its consequences) becomes the very gateway to eternal hope and life.
### Summary
H5911 (ʻÂkôwr) fundamentally means "troubled" and is most notably identified with the "Valley of Achor." This valley initially stands as a potent symbol of the **dire consequences of sin** and divine judgment, exemplified by Achan's transgression and its impact on the Israelite community. It served as a perpetual reminder of God's demand for holiness and the corporate responsibility of His people. However, the prophetic scriptures introduce a profound theological reversal: [[Isaiah 65:10]] depicts Achor becoming a place of peace and rest, while [[Hosea 2:15]] elevates it to a "door of hope." This transformation powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to redeem even the most troubled places and experiences, turning past judgment into a **gateway for future blessing, restoration, and renewed covenant relationship**. The Valley of Achor thus stands as a vivid biblical narrative of sin, judgment, and ultimately, the enduring and transformative hope found in God's redemptive purposes.
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