חֶרֶשׁ

Cheresh, a Levite

Definition

חֶרֶשׁ (Cheresh) is a proper noun referring to a specific individual in the Old Testament. It identifies a Levite named Cheresh, who is listed among those who returned from exile and resettled in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 9:15). The name itself is identical to the common Hebrew noun meaning 'craftsman' or 'artificer' (H2791), which may hint at a family trade or characteristic. In its single biblical occurrence, it functions solely as a personal name with no other developed senses or meanings.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 9:15. It appears in a genealogical list of Levites who were responsible for temple service after the return from the Babylonian exile. The context is purely administrative, recording the names of families who resettled in Jerusalem. There are no patterns of usage beyond this single, historical record.

Etymology

The name Cheresh is derived from the identical Hebrew common noun חֶרֶשׁ (cheresh, H2791), which means 'craftsman,' 'artisan,' or 'engraver.' This noun comes from the root חרשׁ (ḥ-r-sh), associated with cutting in, engraving, or devising. As a personal name, it likely originated as an occupational descriptor or was given to signify skill or ingenuity.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning related to circumstances, hopes, or professions. Bearing a name meaning 'craftsman' may have indicated a family lineage involved in skilled labor, possibly even in the construction or maintenance of the tabernacle or temple. While the biblical text does not elaborate on Cheresh's specific duties, his inclusion in a Levitical genealogy underscores the importance of maintaining priestly and temple service lineages after the exile.

חָרָשׁ (charash, H2796) — a more common term for a craftsman or worker in wood, stone, or metal. אמנה (uman, H?) — a skilled artisan or master workman (though not a direct synonym, it relates to craftsmanship).

Word Details

Scripture References