חָֽרָבָה (cha.ra.vah)
cha.ra.vah
dry ground
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word charabah refers to dry ground, specifically land that has been freed from water. In the biblical narrative, this term often marks a moment of divine intervention where obstacles are removed so people can move forward safely. It is not merely a description of geography, but a sign that God has prepared a way through what seemed impossible.
When you face situations where the path ahead feels blocked or overwhelming, this word reminds you that God can make a way. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground, He can stabilize your footing when circumstances shift. This assurance does not promise that storms will never come, but it confirms that You are present to provide solid ground even in turbulent times.
Reflecting on these moments of transition helps us trust that God’s provision is reliable. Whether you are navigating a major life change or a quiet season of waiting, remember that the same power that parted waters still works to establish stability for His people. May you find peace in knowing that your steps are ordered by a faithful Creator.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- on the/ dry ground3×
- the/ dry ground2×
- into <the>/ dry ground1×
- [was] on the/ dry ground1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לֶ/חָרָבָ֑ה1×
- הֶ/חָרָבָֽה\׃1×
- הֶ/חָרָבָ֑ה1×
- בֶּ/חָֽרָבָ֛ה1×
- בֶּ/חָרָבָֽה\׃1×
- בֶּ/חָֽרָבָ֖ה1×
- בֶּ/חָ֣רָבָ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:21
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
This verse shows the word describing the miraculous transformation of the Red Sea into passable land, highlighting God's power to remove barriers.
-
Joshua 3:17
The priests who bore the ark of Yahweh’s covenant stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.
Here the priests stand firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, illustrating stability and divine presence during a critical transition.
-
II Kings 2:8
Elijah took his mantle, and rolled it up, and struck the waters; and they were divided here and there, so that they both went over on dry ground.
Elijah strikes the waters to create dry ground, demonstrating that prophetic authority continues God's work of making a way through obstacles.