חֶ֫דֶר (che.der)
che.der
chamber
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun cheder refers to a distinct room or apartment, typically an inner chamber set apart from public spaces. In the Old Testament, it describes private areas within homes and tents, such as bedchambers where intimacy occurs (Judges 16:9) or secluded rooms used for storage (Proverbs 24:4). The word emphasizes separation and enclosure, marking a boundary between the outside world and a protected interior.
Its usage extends beyond physical architecture into metaphorical language. Proverbs employs cheder to describe hidden aspects of human nature, speaking of "the chambers of the belly" as the seat of secret counsel (Proverbs 18:8). Similarly, Job uses the phrase "chambers of the south" to depict the most remote and inaccessible regions of the earth (Job 9:9), illustrating how the term conveys depth and obscurity.
Etymologically, the word is linked to a root meaning to cover or hide, reinforcing its sense of privacy. Translators often render it as "chamber," "bedchamber," or "inner room," depending on context. This lexical choice highlights the biblical cultural value placed on domestic privacy and the distinction between public life and private sanctuary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In a culture where homes were often open to the public eye, the cheder represented a vital sanctuary of privacy. It was a space set apart for rest, intimacy, and secret counsel. This physical boundary reminds us that God values our need for quiet retreats away from the noise of daily life. Just as ancient families protected their inner rooms, we are invited to create spaces in our hearts where we can meet with Him without distraction.
Scripture also uses this word metaphorically to describe the hidden depths of human nature. The spirit within us is like a lamp that searches these inner chambers, revealing motives that remain unseen by others. This awareness encourages honesty before God. He knows what is hidden in our private thoughts and desires, yet He offers grace there too. We do not need to perform for Him; He sees the real us in our most secluded moments.
Whether used for storage of treasure or as a place of hiding, the chamber signifies protection. In times of fear or uncertainty, this imagery points to God as our ultimate refuge. He provides a safe space where we can be vulnerable and find peace. Let this word remind you that your private life matters deeply to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ [the] chamber of5×
- [the] chambers of5×
- in/ a room4×
- a room4×
- the/ chamber/ towards2×
- the/ chamber2×
- in the/ chamber2×
- the/ room/ towards1×
- the/ inner room/ towards1×
- rooms1×
- in/ rooms/ your1×
- in/ [the] rooms of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַדְרֵי\־5×
- חֶ֥דֶר4×
- בַּ/חֲדַ֣ר3×
- בַּ/חֲדַ֥ר2×
- בְּ/חֶ֖דֶר2×
- מֵֽ/חֶדְר֔/וֹ1×
- חֶ֖דֶר1×
- חֲדָרָ֗י/ו1×
- חֲדָרִ֣ים1×
- וּ/מֵ/חֲדָרִ֖ים1×
- וּ/בְ/חַדְרֵי֙1×
- וַ/חֲדָרָ֥י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 43:30
Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there.
This verse highlights the chamber as a necessary place for emotional release, showing Joseph needing privacy to weep without public scrutiny.
-
II Kings 11:2
But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were slain, even him and his nurse, and put them in the bedroom; and they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.
Here the bedroom becomes a sanctuary of survival, where Jehosheba hides Joash from Athaliah, illustrating the chamber's role in protection during crisis.
-
Proverbs 20:27
The spirit of man is Yahweh’s lamp, searching all his innermost parts.
This metaphorical use describes the human spirit as God's lamp, actively searching the deepest, most hidden parts of a person's character.
-
Judges 16:9
Now she had an ambush waiting in the inner room. She said to him, “The Philistines are on you, Samson!” He broke the cords as a flax thread is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known.
The inner room serves as the setting for deception and ambush, showing how private spaces can be exploited for harm when trust is broken.