lemma פִּי הַחִרֹת yod, corrected to פִּי הַחִירֹת; xlit Pi corrected to Pîy; from פֶּה and the feminine plural of a noun (from the same root as חוֹר), with the article interpolated; mouth of the gorges; Pi-ha-Chiroth, a place in Egypt; Pi-hahiroth. (In Numbers 14:19 without Pi-.)
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Pîy ha-Chîyrôth**, represented by `{{H6367}}`, identifies a specific location in Egypt meaning **"mouth of the gorges."** It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This place is significant as a key geographical marker in the narrative of Israel's exodus from Egypt, pinpointing the spot where they encamped immediately before a pivotal confrontation and miraculous deliverance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6367}}` is the precise location where God commands the children of Israel to turn back and set up camp. They are instructed to encamp before **Pihahiroth**, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baalzephon ([[Exodus 14:2]], [[Numbers 33:7]]). It is at this seemingly vulnerable position that the pursuing Egyptian army, with all its horses and chariots, overtakes them [[Exodus 14:9]]. Subsequently, **Pihahiroth** serves as the final point of departure before the Israelites pass through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, marking a definitive transition from bondage to freedom [[Numbers 33:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of the events at **Pîy ha-Chîyrôth**:
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp): This verb describes the action Israel was commanded to take at this location. It means to "pitch a tent; gen. to encamp," and it appears repeatedly to describe Israel's state when the Egyptians arrived ([[Exodus 14:2]], [[Exodus 14:9]], [[Numbers 33:7]]).
* `{{H4024}}` **Migdôwl** (Migdol): A place in Egypt, its name meaning "tower." It is consistently mentioned as a landmark defining the location of the Israelite camp in relation to **Pihahiroth** ([[Exodus 14:2]], [[Numbers 33:7]]).
* `{{H1189}}` **Baʻal Tsᵉphôwn** (Baal-zephon): Another landmark in Egypt, always mentioned as being opposite the Israelite encampment at **Pihahiroth**. It helps to precisely situate the events of the Exodus narrative ([[Exodus 14:2]], [[Exodus 14:9]], [[Numbers 33:7]]).
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): This word for a "large body of water" is a critical element of the setting, as Israel encamped "by the sea" at **Pihahiroth**, the very body of water that would become their path to deliverance ([[Exodus 14:2]], [[Exodus 14:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6367}}` is tied directly to the events that transpired there.
* **Divine Instruction and Obedience:** God specifically commands the Israelites to turn back {H7725} and encamp {H2583} at **Pihahiroth**, leading them to a place of apparent vulnerability that requires faith in His direction [[Exodus 14:2]].
* **The Stage for God's Power:** It is the place where the full military might {H2428} of Egypt, including its horses {H5483}, chariots {H7393}, and horsemen {H6571}, pursues {H7291} and overtakes {H5381} the Israelites, setting the stage for a divine intervention that human strength cannot achieve [[Exodus 14:9]].
* **The Threshold of Deliverance:** **Pihahiroth** is the last place of encampment before Israel passes through {H5674} the sea {H3220} into the wilderness {H4057}, transforming a place of entrapment into the gateway of their salvation [[Numbers 33:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6367}}` is much more than a geographical name. As **Pîy ha-Chîyrôth**, it marks the dramatic turning point in the Exodus. It is the location God chose to demonstrate His sovereignty, intentionally leading His people to a point of complete dependency to display His unrivaled power to deliver them from an insurmountable threat. It serves as a permanent memorial of the place where Israel stood between a pursuing army and an impassable sea, only to witness the path of salvation opened before them.
TRV