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הֹר (hor)

hor

(Mount) Hor

H2023 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 12 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
12 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The proper noun Hor designates a specific mountain located on the eastern edge of the Arabah valley, forming part of the highest sandstone range in Edom. Its name simply means "mountain," yet it carries significant historical weight as the site where Aaron, the brother of Moses, died and was buried (Numbers 20:22-29; Deuteronomy 10:6).

This location marks a pivotal transition in the Israelite journey. It is here that the priestly line passed from Aaron to his son Eleazar, symbolizing the end of the wilderness generation’s leadership and the beginning of the entry into the Promised Land under new guidance. The mountain’s prominence in the text underscores the gravity of this generational shift.

Geographically, Hor stands near the ancient city of Petra, a detail that helps modern readers visualize its rugged, elevated setting. While the Bible does not elaborate on the landscape beyond its role as a burial site, its position on the border of Edom highlights the boundary between the wilderness wanderings and the land God promised to Israel.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Mount Hor marks a quiet but profound moment in the biblical narrative. It is not a place of dramatic miracles or sudden conquest, but rather a site of transition and rest. Here, Aaron stepped down from his role as high priest, passing that sacred duty to his son Eleazar before the eyes of the community. This act reminds us that leadership is often about stewardship and knowing when to pass the torch to the next generation.

For those navigating their own seasons of change, this mountain offers a gentle perspective. It shows that endings are part of God’s larger plan, even when they bring sorrow. The death of Aaron was not an abrupt stop but a commanded step in the journey toward the Promised Land. We can find comfort in knowing that our lives, with all their transitions and losses, are held within a purposeful divine order.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Hor5×
  • from/ Hor3×
  • on/ Hor2×
  • at/ Hor2×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הֹ֥ר4×
  • בְּ/הֹ֣ר3×
  • מֵ/הֹ֣ר2×
  • מֵ/הֹ֤ר1×
  • הֹ֣ר1×
  • בְּ/הֹ֥ר1×

Key Verses

  • Numbers 33:38
    Aaron the priest went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Yahweh and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month.

    It records the precise timing of Aaron's death at Mount Hor, anchoring this generational shift in Israel's history.

  • Deuteronomy 32:50
    Die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people;

    Moses recalls Aaron's death on this mountain as a precedent for his own impending end, linking their fates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mount Hor in the Bible?

Mount Hor is significant as the place where Aaron died and was buried. It marks the end of the wilderness generation's leadership under Aaron and the beginning of Eleazar's priesthood, signaling a major transition for Israel before entering the Promised Land.

Where is Mount Hor located?

Mount Hor is located on the eastern edge of the Arabah valley, near the border of Edom. Its exact location is debated, but it is generally associated with the rugged sandstone ranges in that region.

Why did Aaron die at Mount Hor?

Aaron died at Mount Hor by God's command. This event fulfilled earlier instructions given to Moses and Aaron, marking the end of their leadership era and preparing the people for the next phase of their journey.

Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)

Numbers 11 verses
Numbers 20:22

They traveled from Kadesh, and the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.

Numbers 20:23

Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor, by the border of the land of Edom, saying,

Numbers 20:25

Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor;

Numbers 20:27

Moses did as Yahweh commanded. They went up onto Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Numbers 21:4

They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. The soul of the people was very…

Numbers 33:37

They traveled from Kadesh, and encamped in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

Numbers 33:38

Aaron the priest went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Yahweh and died there, in the fortieth year after the…

Numbers 33:39

Aaron was one hundred twenty-three years old when he died in Mount Hor.

Numbers 33:41

They traveled from Mount Hor, and encamped in Zalmonah.

Numbers 34:7

“‘This shall be your north border: from the great sea you shall mark out for yourselves Mount Hor.

Numbers 34:8

From Mount Hor you shall mark out to the entrance of Hamath; and the border shall pass by Zedad.

Deuteronomy 1 verse