חֹר (chor)
chor
noble
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chor describes people of noble standing, often translated as 'nobles' or 'leaders.' In the ancient context, this referred to those with social influence, authority, and responsibility within their community. It is not merely a title but implies a position where one's actions significantly impact others.
When we look at how this word appears in Scripture, we see both positive and negative examples of leadership. In Nehemiah, these nobles are involved in rebuilding the community, yet they also struggle with injustice. This reminds us that influence is a serious trust. God looks at the heart behind the position, valuing integrity over status.
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on how you use your own sphere of influence. Whether in your family, workplace, or church, you have opportunities to lead with wisdom and fairness. It encourages us to seek a character that honors God, regardless of our rank or role.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] nobles of4×
- the/ nobles3×
- nobles/ its1×
- nobles1×
- and/ to the/ nobles1×
- and/ the/ nobles1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹרֵ֣י2×
- חוֹרִ֑ים1×
- חֹרֶ֥י/הָ1×
- חֹרֵ֥י1×
- חֹרֵ֤י1×
- וְ/לַ/חֹרִ֣ים1×
- וְ/הַ/חֹרִ֗ים1×
- הַֽ/חֹרִים֙1×
- הַ/חֹרִ֧ים1×
- הַ/חֹרִ֣ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 21:8
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in his city, who lived with Naboth.
This verse shows the nobles being manipulated by Jezebel, highlighting how leadership can be corrupted for evil ends.
-
Nehemiah 5:7
Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, “You exact usury, everyone of his brother.” I held a great assembly against them.
Here Nehemiah confronts the nobles for exploiting their brothers, demonstrating that true nobility requires justice and care for the vulnerable.
-
Ecclesiastes 10:17
Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
Solomon links the happiness of a land to kings who are 'sons of nobles,' suggesting that stable leadership comes from noble character rather than mere birthright.
-
Jeremiah 39:6
Then the king of Babylon killed Zedekiah’s sons in Riblah before his eyes. The king of Babylon also killed all the nobles of Judah.
The killing of Judah's nobles illustrates the severe consequences when national leaders fail to uphold covenant faithfulness.