חוּרַי (chu.ray)
chu.ray
Hurai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ḥûray, meaning "linen-weaver," identifies a specific individual in the historical records of Israel’s United Monarchy. He appears as one of King David’s elite warriors, listed among the mighty men who supported his reign. The sources note that he is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:30 and reappears under this name in 1 Chronicles 11:32.
Interestingly, biblical scholarship suggests that ḥûray may be another name for Hiddai (H1914), indicating a possible dual identity or a variant tradition in how these heroes were recorded. This connection highlights the complexity of ancient genealogical and military lists, where individuals might be known by different names in different contexts or sources.
As a linen-weaver, ḥûray’s name reflects a common trade, grounding his heroic status in everyday life. His inclusion among David’s mighty men underscores the diverse backgrounds of those who served in Israel’s military leadership, blending ordinary professions with extraordinary loyalty and strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hurai means "linen-weaver," a detail that grounds his identity in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. Before he stood among King David’s elite warriors, he likely worked with thread and loom, shaping fabric through patience and skill. This background reminds us that God often calls people from their everyday trades to serve in extraordinary ways.
His appearance in 1 Chronicles 11:32 alongside Abiel highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who supported Israel’s leadership. Not every hero came from a royal lineage or military academy; some were skilled artisans whose hands knew both cloth and sword. Their loyalty was not defined by status but by faithfulness to God’s chosen king.
When you consider your own work or daily responsibilities, remember that Hurai’s story shows how ordinary skills can become part of a larger divine purpose. Whether you are weaving, building, teaching, or caring for others, your faithful presence matters in God’s kingdom. He sees the quiet dedication behind the scenes just as clearly as the visible acts of courage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hurai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חוּרַי֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:32
Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
This verse lists Hurai among David’s mighty men, specifically noting his origin from the brooks of Gaash, which helps identify his geographical background and connects him to a specific region in Israel.