חֶרֶשׁ

חֶרֶשׁ

magical craft; also silence

Definition

The Hebrew word חֶרֶשׁ (cheresh) carries two primary meanings in the Old Testament. Its most common sense is 'magical craft' or 'cunning skill,' referring to the secret arts of divination or enchantment, as seen in Isaiah 3:3 where it is listed among the skilled professionals of a city. The other significant meaning is 'silence' or 'secrecy,' describing an action done quietly or covertly, as when Joshua's spies were sent out 'secretly' in Joshua 2:1. The word's dual nature connects the idea of hidden knowledge with discreet action.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the Old Testament, each highlighting a different nuance. In Joshua 2:1, it describes the secretive sending of spies to Jericho. In Nehemiah 11:35, it appears in a place name, 'Lod and Ono, the valley of craftsmen,' possibly referring to skilled artisans. In Isaiah 3:3, it denotes a 'skilled enchanter' or 'expert in magical arts,' listed among the leaders and specialists that God will remove from Jerusalem as judgment.

Etymology

Derived from the root חָרַשׁ (charash, H2790), which means to cut in, engrave, plow, devise, or be silent. This root encompasses ideas of physical crafting (like engraving), mental devising, and quietness. חֶרֶשׁ (cheresh) as a noun develops from these concepts to mean either a craft (especially a secret or magical one) or the state/act of silence, capturing the root's sense of hidden or inward action.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on the biblical view of the occult and human cunning versus divine wisdom. In Isaiah 3:3, the 'skilled enchanter' represents a source of guidance that Judah trusted instead of God, part of the societal structure God would judge. The 'secrecy' in Joshua 2:1, however, is part of God's providential strategy for Israel's victory. Understanding cheresh highlights the contrast between forbidden magical arts and the legitimate, God-ordained use of discretion and strategy. In ancient Near Eastern culture, 'magical craft' was a recognized profession, as seen in Isaiah's list. These enchanters or cunning artisans were sought for divination and interpreting omens, practices strictly forbidden in Israelite law (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). The term's association with both skilled craftsmanship and secrecy reflects a worldview where specialized knowledge was often guarded and transmitted within closed groups, whether for metalworking, divination, or military tactics. אָלַף (alaph, H3045) — to learn, used for skilled training but without the connotation of secrecy or magic. דָּמַם (damam, H1826) — to be silent, cease; focuses on quietness or stillness rather than covert action. כָּשַׁף (kashaph, H3784) — to practice sorcery; a stronger, more direct term for witchcraft.

Word Details