הֶרֶס

הֶרֶס

demolition

Definition

The Hebrew noun הֶרֶס (hereç) refers to a state of destruction, ruin, or demolition. It describes something that has been violently torn down or overthrown, often as a result of divine judgment. In its sole biblical occurrence in Isaiah 19:18, it is used metaphorically for a 'City of Destruction,' likely referring to a place dedicated to a pagan deity or marked for ruin, contrasting with a 'City of the Sun.' The word conveys a sense of complete and devastating overthrow, not merely damage.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 19:18. It is used in a prophetic context concerning Egypt, where one of its cities will be called 'the City of Destruction' (עִיר הַהֶרֶס, ‘îr hahereç). This singular usage is highly symbolic, contrasting a place destined for ruin with a place of righteousness ('City of the Sun,' or possibly 'City of Righteousness' in some manuscripts). Its application is entirely within a declaration of God's future judgment and transformation of a foreign nation.

Etymology

הֶרֶס (hereç) is a noun derived from the verbal root הָרַס (hāras, H2040), meaning 'to tear down, overthrow, or destroy.' This root is used for the demolition of physical structures like altars (Judges 6:25) and cities, as well as for the figurative overthrow of nations or plans. The noun form hereç captures the resultant state or the act of such demolition.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, הֶרֶס is theologically significant as it encapsulates a key theme of prophetic literature: God's sovereign judgment against pride, idolatry, and human rebellion. In Isaiah 19, its use for an Egyptian city underscores that God's authority and standards of justice extend to all nations. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Isaiah by highlighting the stark contrast God proclaims—between what humanity builds for its own glory (and thus destined for hereç) and what God establishes and redeems. In the ancient Near East, the destruction of a city was the ultimate military and political catastrophe, often involving the slaughter of its inhabitants, the razing of its walls and temples, and the erasure of its identity. Naming a place 'City of Destruction' would be a powerful, ominous prophecy, signaling its complete future annihilation and divine rejection, which would have been deeply unsettling to the original audience. שֹׁד (shōd, H7701) — violent devastation or havoc, often from an external force. חֳרָבוֹת (ḥorbôt, H2723) — ruins or desolate places, emphasizing the deserted state after destruction. כָּלָה (kālâ, H3617) — complete destruction, annihilation, or consumption.

Word Details