חַרְחֻר (char.chur)
char.chur
heat
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun charhur describes a state of intense, burning heat, often carrying the connotation of inflammation or fever. It is not merely warm weather but a severe, consuming dryness that affects the body. In its single biblical appearance in Deuteronomy 28:22, it is listed among the curses for disobedience alongside pestilence and wasting disease.
This word highlights the physical reality of divine judgment as a tangible affliction. The sources define it as violent heat or extreme dryness, suggesting a condition where the body’s natural balance is disrupted by an internal fire. It paints a picture of suffering that is both immediate and visceral, contrasting sharply with the peace and health promised in other passages.
Translators typically render charhur as "fever" or "burning heat," emphasizing its medical nature. The term serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from covenant faithfulness. By using such concrete language, the text grounds spiritual realities in physical experience, showing how moral choices can have direct impacts on bodily well-being.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charhur describes a severe, consuming heat that feels like an internal fire or fever. It appears only once in Scripture, listed among the serious consequences of breaking covenant with God. This vivid imagery reminds us that our physical bodies are deeply connected to our spiritual state. When we turn away from truth, the result is not just abstract guilt but tangible suffering.
Yet this warning serves a protective purpose. By highlighting the destructive power of sin, God shows how precious His ways are for our well-being. The contrast with the peace He offers makes His blessings even more meaningful. We can trust that His commands are designed to keep us whole, not to harm us.
This passage invites us to examine our hearts. Are there areas where we have drifted from His guidance? Returning to Him brings relief from the 'burning' effects of sin. His grace offers cooling comfort and restoration for every weary soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ with <the>/ feverish heat1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַֽ/חַרְחֻר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:22
Yahweh will strike you with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with fiery heat, with the sword, with blight, and with mildew. They will pursue you until you perish.
This verse uniquely lists charhur as a specific affliction, showing how spiritual rebellion manifests as intense physical suffering.