חוֹר
a cavity, socket, den
Definition
The Hebrew noun חוֹר (chôwr) primarily refers to a hollow or cavity in a physical object. Its most common meaning is a 'hole' or 'cave' in the ground, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:11 where the Philistines emerge from their hiding place, and in Nahum 2:12 describing the dens of lions. It can also denote a man-made cavity, such as the collection box with a hole in its lid mentioned in 2 Kings 12:9. In a more anatomical sense, it is used poetically for the 'socket' of a door or a keyhole, as in Song of Solomon 5:4 where the beloved puts his hand through the 'hole' (latch-opening) of the door.
Biblical Usage
This word is used in various contexts across narrative, poetic, and prophetic books. In historical books (1 Samuel 14:11, 2 Kings 12:9), it describes physical hiding places or receptacles. In poetry (Job 30:6, Song of Solomon 5:4), it is used descriptively for wretched dwellings or a door's aperture. In prophecy (Ezekiel 8:7, Nahum 2:12, Zechariah 14:12), it often carries a negative connotation, depicting secret idolatry, animal dens, or the horrific cavities left by plague.
Etymology
The word חוֹר (chôwr) is derived from the root חור (ch-w-r), which conveys the core idea of being white or pale, but by extension, of making a hole or boring through. It is related to חוּר (chûr, H2352), meaning 'white' or 'white linen,' possibly linking the concept of a hole to something that has been pierced or made bare. The shortened form חֹר is also attested.
Semantic Range
While primarily a physical descriptor, חוֹר is used in prophetic literature to underscore themes of judgment, secrecy, and desolation. In Ezekiel 8:7, the 'hole in the wall' reveals hidden idolatry, symbolizing the depth of Israel's corruption that God exposes. In Zechariah 14:12, the gruesome image of flesh rotting while one stands, with eyes and tongue consumed in their 'holes' (sockets), powerfully communicates the totality of divine judgment. Thus, the word can transition from a simple physical feature to a vessel for profound theological imagery about human depravity and God's holy response.
In the ancient Near East, holes or caves in rocks were common as temporary shelters, hiding places, tombs, and dens for animals. The 'hole' for the collection box in 2 Kings 12:9 reflects a simple but secure method of temple treasury management, where offerings were placed through an opening that prevented easy theft. Understanding this practical use enriches the reading of the text.
מְעָרָה (mᵉʿârâh, H4631) — a cave or den, typically larger and more natural than חוֹר. גּוּמָּץ (gummats, H1472) — a pit or cistern, often for water storage. שַׁחַת (shachath, H7845) — a pit or ditch, often with connotations of destruction or the grave.
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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