חֲצַר שׁוּעָל (cha.tsar shu.al)
cha.tsar shu.al
Hazar-shual
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name חֲצַר שׁוּעָל, or Hazar-shual, translates directly to "village of jackals" or "jackal enclosure." It identifies a specific settlement located in the southern territory of Judah, marking it as part of the broader geographical landscape described in the biblical narratives. The term itself is descriptive, likely reflecting the rural or semi-wild nature of the area where such animals were common.
This place name appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, serving primarily as a marker in lists of inhabited locations. It is mentioned in the context of territorial boundaries and clan settlements in Joshua 15:30, Nehemiah 11:26, and two verses in 1 Chronicles (4:31 and 8:19). These references function to establish the extent of Judah’s inheritance and the distribution of its people.
As a proper noun derived from common Hebrew words for a courtyard or village (חצר) and a jackal (שועל), the name provides a glimpse into the local environment. It does not carry deep theological symbolism in these texts but rather grounds the history of Israel in tangible, named places that were part of their daily reality and administrative records.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read lists of ancient village names like Hazar-shual, it is easy to feel distant from the text. Yet these records ground our faith in real history. God did not save an abstract idea; He redeemed actual people living in specific places. This name, meaning 'village of jackals,' reminds us that Scripture values the ordinary details of daily life.
The presence of such a place in the inheritance of Judah shows God’s care for every community, no matter how small or rugged it may seem. It invites us to trust that He is present in our own local contexts and everyday routines. His promises are not confined to grand cities but extend to every corner of His creation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shual4×
- and/ Hazar3×
- and/ in/ Hazar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שׁוּעָ֛ל3×
- וַ/חֲצַ֥ר3×
- שׁוּעָֽל\׃1×
- וּ/בַ/חֲצַ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:28
Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah,
This verse places Hazar-shual within the specific tribal allotment of Judah, showing its role in establishing the physical inheritance promised to Israel.
-
Nehemiah 11:27
in Hazar Shual, in Beersheba and its towns,
The mention here highlights the restoration of the community after exile, indicating that this village remained a recognized part of the returned settlers' homes.
-
I Chronicles 4:28
They lived at Beersheba, Moladah, Hazarshual,
This genealogical record connects the location to the broader family structures and settlements of Judah, emphasizing continuity across generations.