חֳרֵם (cho.rem)
cho.rem
Horem
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun ḥōrem denotes something devoted to destruction or set apart as sacred, often through total consecration. In Joshua 19:38, it appears as a proper name for one of the fortified towns assigned to the tribe of Naphtali. The location itself is not currently identified in modern geography, but its name preserves the linguistic root of this significant concept.
While ḥōrem frequently refers to the ban of total destruction in military contexts, here it marks a place. This usage highlights how the term could designate something entirely removed from ordinary use and dedicated to divine purposes. The town’s name serves as a permanent reminder of this separation, linking the physical landscape to the theological idea of being set apart.
Translators typically render ḥōrem as "devoted" or "ban," capturing its dual sense of judgment and holiness. In this specific instance, the word functions as a geographical marker within the tribal allotments. It reminds readers that even places could be subject to the same serious consecration applied to people or goods in ancient Israelite practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ḥōrem carries a heavy weight in Scripture, often meaning something set apart for total destruction or consecration. It signifies a boundary between the holy and the common, where nothing is left for ordinary use. In Joshua 19:38, it appears as the name of a town for Naphtali, showing how this serious concept could mark a physical place as distinct from the rest.
For your faith, this reminds us that God claims ownership over all things—people, places, and possessions. When we think of being "set apart," we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness. This isn't about fear, but about recognizing our unique role in His plan. Every part of our world can point back to Him when we acknowledge His authority.
Even a town name like Horem preserves this idea of separation. It invites us to consider what areas of our lives are fully dedicated to God. As you walk through your day, remember that nothing is too small to be part of His story. May you find peace in knowing you belong to Him completely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Horem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֳרֵ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:38
Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.
This verse lists Horem among Naphtali's cities, showing the term used as a proper name for a place set apart rather than an act of destruction.