חוֹרָ֑י (chor)
chor
white cloth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chor refers to a specific type of textile, described in the sources as "white cloth" or "white stuff." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 19:9, where it denotes fine linen used by Egyptian artisans.
This single occurrence places the word within a prophecy concerning the collapse of Egypt’s economic and social structures. The text describes how the skilled workers who spin and weave this white fabric are disappointed and ashamed when their industry fails. The term highlights the value placed on high-quality, bleached textiles in the ancient Near East, serving as a concrete symbol of national prosperity.
Because the word is so rare, its meaning is anchored entirely by this context. It does not carry abstract theological weight beyond representing the material wealth and craftsmanship of Egypt. Translators typically render it simply as "linen" or "cloth," preserving the image of white fabric without adding interpretive layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chor appears just once in Scripture, describing the fine white linen woven by Egyptian artisans. In Isaiah 19:9, this material stands as a symbol of national pride and economic strength. When the prophecy declares that these weavers will be confounded, it reminds us that human industry and worldly success are fragile.
Yet this verse offers more than a warning about failed economies. It points to the temporary nature of earthly security. While fine linen fades and industries collapse, God’s promises remain steady. We can find comfort in knowing that our hope does not rest on shifting sands of wealth or skill, but on the unchanging character of the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- white cloth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חוֹרָֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 19:9
Moreover those who work in combed flax, and those who weave white cloth, will be confounded.
This verse uses white cloth to represent Egyptian craftsmanship, showing how national pride in material success is ultimately shaken by divine judgment.