חָרוּץ (cha.ruts)
cha.ruts
sharp; decision; trench; gold
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word chārûṣ carries a core sense of sharpness or precision that branches into several distinct meanings depending on context. It can describe something physically sharp-pointed, such as a tool or weapon, or it can characterize a person who is diligent and meticulous in their work. This same idea of exactness extends to abstract concepts, where it denotes a strict decision or a definitive judgment.
Perhaps the most striking usage appears in poetic texts where chārûṣ refers to gold, likely because of its refined purity or bright, sharp luster. In prophetic literature, such as Zechariah 14:10, the word describes a trench or moat, emphasizing a clear, cut boundary. The sources note that in Joel 4:14, it signifies a decisive moment of judgment, highlighting the word’s connection to finality and clarity.
Translators often render chārûṣ as "gold" in poetic passages like Psalm 68:13 or "diligent" when describing character. The underlying thread connecting these uses is the quality of being distinct, refined, or sharply defined, whether referring to metal, a physical ditch, or a firm decree.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chārûṣ paints a picture of clarity and precision. In Proverbs, it describes the diligent person whose careful work leads to lasting provision. This reminds us that God honours steady effort and integrity in our daily tasks. When we approach our responsibilities with focus, we reflect a kind of order that pleases Him.
In other contexts, chārûṣ refers to fine gold or a deep trench. These images suggest value and clear boundaries. Just as gold is refined to remove impurities, our lives are shaped through experiences that bring out our true character. The word invites us to seek wisdom above material wealth, knowing that spiritual riches endure longer than silver.
Ultimately, this term points to a God who defines what is good and true. Whether in the precision of His laws or the value of His gifts, He offers us a path of clarity. We can trust that He guides our steps with purpose, helping us to live with intention and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more than/ gold3×
- diligent [people]3×
- with/ [the] threshing sledges of1×
- with <the>/ threshing sledge1×
- sharp1×
- diligent1×
- and/ more than/ gold1×
- and/ gold1×
- and/ a moat1×
- a mutilation1×
- a diligent [person]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָר֣וּץ2×
- מֵ/חָר֥וּץ1×
- מֵ/חָר֣וּץ1×
- מֵ/חָר֑וּץ1×
- חָרוּצִ֥ים1×
- חָרוּצִ֣ים1×
- חָרֽוּץ\׃1×
- חָרֻצִ֣ים1×
- חָ֭רוּץ1×
- וּ֝/מֵ/חָר֗וּץ1×
- וְ/חָר֖וּץ1×
- וְ/חָר֔וּץ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 12:24
The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
This verse uses chārûṣ to describe the diligent hand that rules, contrasting steady effort with the slavery of laziness.
-
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.
Here the word modifies 'gold' as choice gold, emphasizing that wisdom is more valuable than even the finest material wealth.
-
Daniel 9:25
“Know therefore and discern that from the going out of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the prince, will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.
The term describes a moat or trench in Jerusalem, highlighting a physical boundary built during troubled times.