חֶרֶס

חֶרֶס

the itch; the sun

Definition

The Hebrew word חֶרֶס (chereç) has two distinct meanings in the Old Testament. Primarily, it refers to a severe, infectious skin disease, often translated as 'the itch' or 'boils' (Deuteronomy 28:27). In other contexts, it is used poetically as a synonym for 'the sun,' as seen in Job 9:7, where it describes God commanding the sun not to rise. This dual meaning creates a vivid word picture, connecting the burning, afflictive nature of a skin condition with the scorching heat of the sun.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only four times. In its medical sense, it appears in Deuteronomy 28:27 as part of the covenant curses for disobedience, describing a painful physical affliction. In Judges, it is used in two proverbial sayings or riddles (Judges 8:13, 14:18), likely referencing the sun in a figurative or poetic manner. Its final usage is in the poetic book of Job (Job 9:7), where it clearly means 'sun,' emphasizing God's supreme command over creation.

Etymology

The word likely derives from an unused root meaning 'to scrape' or 'scratch,' which directly connects to its primary meaning of a skin ailment. The connection to 'the sun' may be a secondary, poetic development from the idea of a burning or scraping sensation, or perhaps from a mediating link to the word חַרְסוּת (charsuth, H2777), meaning 'potsherd,' which can become sun-baked. This illustrates how a concrete, physical concept ('scraping') expanded into a more abstract, natural phenomenon.

Semantic Range

חֶרֶס is theologically significant because it appears in a key covenantal context. In Deuteronomy 28:27, it is listed among the physical curses for breaking God's covenant, symbolizing the tangible consequences of sin and rebellion. Its poetic use for the sun in Job 9:7 highlights God's absolute sovereignty over the natural order, commanding even the sunrise. Understanding this word enriches reading by showing the link between physical affliction as divine discipline and the Creator's power over His world. In the ancient Near East, severe skin diseases were not only physically debilitating but also carried social and religious stigma, often associated with impurity. The inclusion of 'the itch' (chereç) among the covenant curses in Deuteronomy would have been a powerful and feared image of divine judgment. The poetic use for the sun reflects a common Hebrew literary device of using concrete, sometimes harsh, imagery to describe natural forces, viewing the sun's heat as potentially destructive or scorching. שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh, H8121) — The standard, primary word for 'sun.' חֶרֶס is a rare, poetic synonym. שְׁחִין (shechin, H7822) — A more general term for a boil, ulcer, or inflamed sore, often used in medical/curse contexts (e.g., Exodus 9:9).

Word Details