חֹסָה (cho.sah)
cho.sah
Hosah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Ḥosah means "refuge." It appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles and Joshua. The sources identify it as both a personal name and a place name, reflecting its root meaning of safety or shelter.
As a person’s name, Ḥosah refers to a Levitical doorkeeper who served in the temple during the time of the divided monarchy. He is listed as the father of several notable figures, including Shimri and Hilkiah. This usage highlights the role of his family in maintaining the sacred spaces where God’s people sought protection.
As a place name, Ḥosah designates a location within the tribe of Asher. The dual use of this term for both a person and a land suggests that the concept of refuge was significant enough to shape identities and geography alike. Translators typically render it as "Hosah," preserving the original sound while letting the meaning emerge from context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hosah carries the quiet weight of shelter. In a world that often feels unstable, having a place of safety is a deep human need. This word reminds us that God provides refuge for those who seek it, offering a steady ground beneath our feet when life becomes uncertain.
While the Bible mentions Hosah as both a person and a place, the underlying meaning points to something greater than geography or lineage. It reflects a divine promise of protection. For believers today, this serves as a gentle assurance that we are never truly alone in our struggles.
We can find comfort in knowing that our trust is placed in a God who acts as our safe harbor. Whether facing personal trials or broader uncertainties, the concept of refuge invites us to rest in His care rather than relying on our own strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of/ Hosah1×
- and/ to/ Hosah1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Hosah1×
- and/ Hosah1×
- Hosah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/חֹסָ֖ה1×
- חֹסָ֔ה1×
- וּ/לְ/חֹסָה֙1×
- וּ/לְ/חֹסָ֥ה1×
- וְ/חֹסָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 16:38
and Obed-Edom with their sixty-eight relatives; Obed-Edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;
This verse highlights Hosah’s role as a doorkeeper, linking the idea of refuge to the sacred space where God’s presence was honored.
-
Joshua 19:29
The border turned to Ramah, to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah. It ended at the sea by the region of Achzib;
Here Hosah is listed as a boundary marker, showing how the concept of safety extended into the physical inheritance given to Israel.
-
I Chronicles 26:10
Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him chief),
The mention of Hosah’s sons emphasizes the continuity of service and protection within the temple community.