חַרְחוּר
Charchur, one of the Nethinim
Definition
Charchur is a proper noun referring to a person, specifically one of the Nethinim (temple servants) who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name appears in two nearly identical lists of returning exiles in Ezra 2:51 and Nehemiah 7:53. As a personal name, it does not carry multiple senses in the biblical text. Its meaning is derived from its etymological root, which relates to 'inflammation' or 'fever,' but this is not a meaning applied to the person in the narrative.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively as a personal name in the context of post-exilic genealogical records. It appears only in the lists documenting the families of the Nethinim who returned to Judah with Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple. The two occurrences (Ezra 2:51, Nehemiah 7:53) are parallel accounts, indicating Charchur was the head of a family clan within this servant class dedicated to temple duties.
Etymology
The name Charchur (חַרְחוּר) is a lengthened or fuller form of the Hebrew word חַרְחֻר (charchur, H2746), which means 'inflammation,' 'fever,' or 'violent heat.' It is likely derived from the root חָרַר (charar), meaning 'to be hot, burned, or angry.' As a personal name, it probably described a characteristic (like fervor or intensity) or was given due to circumstances at birth, which was a common naming practice.
Semantic Range
As a name meaning 'inflammation' or 'fever,' Charchur reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of giving children names based on physical characteristics, circumstances of birth, or parental hopes/experiences. The inclusion of his name in the lists of the Nethinim highlights the biblical value placed on every individual and family group within the covenant community, even those in servant roles, as essential participants in the restoration of worship.
As a proper noun, direct synonyms are not applicable. Etymologically, it relates to: חַרְחֻר (charchur, H2746) — the shorter form meaning 'inflammation' or 'fever.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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