חֹרִי (cho.ri)
cho.ri
white
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ḥōrî appears only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 40:16. In this context, it refers to white bread or cakes, specifically those baked from fine flour. The Joseph narrative uses this term to distinguish these lighter loaves from heavier, coarser breads made with bran or other grains.
While some sources note a potential connection to the name "Horite" (a people group mentioned elsewhere in Genesis), the lexical evidence within this single verse strongly supports the meaning of white bread. The distinction highlights social status or dietary preference, as fine white flour was a luxury item compared to common staples.
This rare usage provides insight into ancient Egyptian baking practices and the hierarchy of foodstuffs in Joseph’s household. It serves as a concrete detail in the story of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s dream, where the type of bread signifies the nature of the punishment described.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ḥōrî appears just once in Scripture, describing the fine white bread carried by the chief baker in Genesis 40:16. This detail highlights a stark contrast between luxury and common sustenance. In ancient Egypt, such refined flour was a rare privilege, reserved for those of high status or special favor.
For your faith, this small linguistic clue reminds us that God notices the specific details of our circumstances. Whether we are in positions of prominence or obscurity, He sees the reality of our situation. The baker’s dream used this elite food to symbolize his fate, showing how even our daily routines and social standings are known to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- white bread1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹרִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 40:16
When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it specifies the fine white bread on the baker's head, indicating his high status before his downfall.