חָתַר (cha.tar)
cha.tar
to dig
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb cha.tar carries two distinct meanings: to dig and to row. In most instances, it describes the physical act of digging into a structure, often with malicious intent. This usage appears in Amos 5:8, where God is described as one who "dig[s] up" the earth, emphasizing His power to reveal what is hidden or to break open the ground with force.
Less commonly, the word refers to rowing through water. Job 9:8 uses this sense when speaking of God alone who "stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea," though some translations render this as walking or passing over. The connection between digging and rowing likely lies in the repetitive, forceful motion required for both actions—whether breaking through earth or propelling a boat against the current.
This dual meaning highlights the versatility of Hebrew vocabulary, where a single root can encompass different kinds of labor depending on context. While rare, cha.tar reminds readers that Scripture often uses concrete physical actions to describe divine power or human behavior.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cha.tar reminds us that God sees what is hidden in the dark. In Amos 9:2, it describes people digging into Sheol to escape judgment. This vivid image shows that no matter how deep we try to hide our actions or our fear, God’s reach extends there. It is a sobering reminder that His presence is not limited by physical barriers or secret places.
Yet this same word also appears in Jonah 1:13, where sailors row hard against a storm. Here, the motion of digging through water reflects human effort to control circumstances. We often strive to navigate life’s storms with our own strength, but the text shows the sea growing worse despite their labor. This invites us to trust God’s sovereignty over the chaotic waves we cannot calm.
Ultimately, whether digging for escape or rowing against the wind, these images point to a God who is both all-powerful and intimately aware of our struggles. We do not need to hide from Him, nor do we need to fight every storm alone. His hand holds us in both the deepest darkness and the highest waves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they will dig1×
- he digs into1×
- and/ they rowed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַחְתְּר֣וּ1×
- חָתַ֥ר1×
- וַ/יַּחְתְּר֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Amos 9:2
Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down.
This verse uses the digging sense to emphasize that God’s judgment reaches even into Sheol, leaving no place of escape.
-
Jonah 1:13
Nevertheless the men rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them.
Here the rowing sense highlights human effort against divine will, showing that physical strength cannot override God’s purpose.
-
Job 24:16
In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They don’t know the light.
This occurrence describes criminal digging in darkness, illustrating how sin operates in secrecy yet remains visible to God.