חֲרָשִׁים (cha.ra.shim)
cha.ra.shim
(Ge)-harashim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The term Chărāshîm, appearing only in 1 Chronicles 8:12, translates to "valley of craftsmen." It identifies a specific geographic location near Lydda, situated just east of Joppa. This site is notable for being founded by Joab, a descendant of Othniel, marking it as a settlement established by a prominent family line.
The name itself derives from the Hebrew root chāraš, which carries meanings such as cutting, engraving, ploughing, or devising. While this root often describes artistic work like engraving or agricultural labor like ploughing fields, its use here as a place name highlights a community defined by skilled trade or craft. The combination with gay ("valley") creates a clear topographical identifier for this historical settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chărāshîm appears in Scripture to describe a place defined by skilled hands and creative labor. In 1 Chronicles 4:14, it marks a valley where craftsmen lived and worked, establishing a community rooted in practical artistry. This reminds us that our daily work is not separate from God’s purposes but can be a meaningful part of His story.
When we engage in tasks that require focus and skill, we reflect the care and intentionality found in creation itself. Whether you are working with your hands or your mind, your efforts contribute to the broader tapestry of human life. This passage invites us to see our vocations as sacred spaces where God meets us.
May you find peace in knowing that your labor is seen and valued. Let your work be a quiet offering of gratitude, bringing order and beauty to the world around you. In every task, there is an opportunity to honor God through faithful service.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Harashim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲרָשִׁ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:14
Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim, for they were craftsmen.
This verse identifies Ge Harashim as a settlement founded by Joab, explicitly linking the location's name to the craftsmen who lived there.