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חֹרִי (cho.ri)

cho.ri

Horite

H2752 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N--LG

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
6 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--LG

Word Overview

The Hebrew word ḥôrî refers to the Horites, an ancient people associated with Mount Seir and the region of Edom. The term is generally understood as a gentilic adjective meaning "Horite," derived from Hori, a figure mentioned in Genesis 36. Lexical sources suggest the root likely means "cave dweller," pointing to a lifestyle adapted to the rugged, rocky terrain of southern Canaan.

Scripture presents the Horites as the original inhabitants of Seir before the Edomites displaced them, as recorded in passages like Genesis 14:6 and Deuteronomy 2:12. The word appears six times in the Old Testament, primarily in genealogical lists or historical narratives describing the territorial shifts among these early groups. It serves to distinguish this specific population from their neighbors.

Translators typically render ḥôrî as "Horite" to preserve the proper noun identity, though some versions may use "cave-dweller" to highlight the descriptive etymology. This linguistic detail offers a glimpse into the material culture of the region, where living in rock-cut dwellings was a practical response to the environment. The term anchors the reader in the complex ethnic landscape of the patriarchal era.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chori identifies the Horites, an ancient people who called Mount Seir home before the Edomites arrived. Their name likely points to a lifestyle adapted to that rugged terrain, perhaps living in caves or rock-cut dwellings. This detail reminds us that God’s history includes many different peoples and cultures, each with their own place in the narrative.

Reading about these displaced groups helps us see how God works through complex human events. The Horites are not just background characters; they show us that land and identity shift over time. For your faith, this offers perspective: our current circumstances are part of a larger story where God remains sovereign, even when populations change or territories shift.

When you encounter references to these ancient groups, remember that Scripture values every people group. The Horites’ presence in the text affirms that no culture is forgotten by God. This awareness can deepen your appreciation for the diversity of biblical history and the careful way Scripture records it.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • the/ Horite[s]4×
  • the/ Horites1×
  • the/ Horite1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הַ/חֹרִים֮1×
  • הַ/חֹרִי֙1×
  • הַ/חֹרִ֛י1×
  • הַ/חֹרִ֖י1×
  • הַ/חֹרִ֔י1×
  • הַ/חֹרִ֑י1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 14:6
    and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.

    This verse places the Horites geographically in Mount Seir, showing their established presence before later conflicts.

  • Genesis 36:20
    These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

    Here the text traces the Horite lineage back to Seir himself, establishing their ancestral identity within Edom's history.

  • Deuteronomy 2:12
    The Horites also lived in Seir in the past, but the children of Esau succeeded them. They destroyed them from before them, and lived in their place, as Israel did to the land of his possession, which Yahweh gave to them.)

    This passage highlights the transition of power, noting how Esau’s descendants succeeded the Horites in their land.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word 'chori' mean?

The Hebrew word chori means 'Horite,' referring to an ancient people group. It is a gentilic term derived from Hori, indicating their identity as inhabitants of Mount Seir before the Edomites took over.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears six times in the Old Testament, primarily in Genesis 14 and Genesis 36, as well as in Deuteronomy 2. These passages use it to describe the original inhabitants of the Seir region.

Why are the Horites mentioned in Scripture?

They are mentioned to provide historical context for the region of Edom. Their presence shows the complex ethnic landscape of the patriarchal era and how land ownership shifted among ancient groups.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 4 verses
Genesis 14:6

and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to El Paran, which is by the wilderness.

Genesis 36:20

These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:21

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36:29

These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,

Deuteronomy 2 verses