חֹרֹנַיִם
Choronajim, a place in Moab
Definition
Choronajim is a proper noun referring to a town in Moab, likely located in the southern region near the Arnon River. The name itself means 'double caves' or 'two hollows,' suggesting a geographical feature of the area. In the Bible, it is consistently portrayed as a place of lamentation and judgment, particularly in prophecies against Moab (Isaiah 15:5, Jeremiah 48:3, Jeremiah 48:5, Jeremiah 48:34). Its destruction is part of a broader divine judgment, emphasizing its role as a significant Moabite settlement that faced devastation.
Biblical Usage
The word appears exclusively in prophetic contexts within Isaiah and Jeremiah, specifically in oracles against Moab. In each occurrence, Choronajim is mentioned as a place experiencing mourning, crying, and destruction. For example, Isaiah 15:5 describes the inhabitants fleeing from Choronajim with a cry of destruction, while Jeremiah 48:3, Jeremiah 48:5, and Jeremiah 48:34 depict it as a site of wailing and ruin, highlighting its symbolic role in Moab's downfall. The usage patterns emphasize its association with divine judgment and national calamity.
Etymology
The name Choronajim derives from the Hebrew root חוֹר (chor, H2356), meaning 'hole' or 'cave,' with a dual suffix (-ayim) indicating 'two.' Thus, it literally translates to 'double caves' or 'two hollows,' likely referring to a geographical characteristic of the town, such as cave formations or depressions in the landscape. This etymology reflects the physical setting of the place, common in Semitic place-names that describe local terrain features.
Semantic Range
Choronajim holds theological significance as a symbol of God's judgment against pride and idolatry, particularly in the context of Moab's opposition to Israel. Its repeated mention in prophecies (e.g., Jeremiah 48:3-5) underscores the certainty of divine justice for nations that defy God. Understanding this Hebrew name enriches Bible reading by highlighting how place-names in Scripture can carry deeper meanings of lament and retribution, reminding readers of God's sovereignty over all peoples and the consequences of sin.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, place-names often described physical landmarks, and Choronajim's meaning as 'double caves' likely reflected a notable local feature, possibly used for shelter or burial. As a Moabite town, it would have been part of a region known for its conflicts with Israel, and its destruction in prophecies resonated with audiences familiar with territorial disputes. The cultural understanding differs from modern times, where such names might not convey immediate geographical or symbolic significance without historical context.
Moab (Mô'âv, H4124) — the broader region containing Choronajim; Arnon ('Arnôn, H769) — a river near Choronajim, often mentioned in Moabite contexts; Dibon (Dîbôn, H1769) — another Moabite town associated with judgment prophecies.
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.
Full methodology & sources →