פִּי הַחִירֹת (pi ha.chi.rot)
pi ha.chi.rot
Pi-hahiroth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew phrase pi ha-chirot refers to a specific geographical location, identified as the third encampment of the Israelites after their departure from Goshen in Egypt. It serves as the final stopping point before the crossing of the Red Sea, marking a critical transition in the Exodus narrative. The name translates literally to "mouth of Pi-hahiroth," though lexical sources note it may also mean "place where sedge grows."
Although the exact site remains unknown today, the text places it on the eastern border of Egypt. This location is mentioned four times in Scripture, appearing primarily in Exodus and Numbers. Its significance lies not in its physical features but in its role as the threshold between slavery and freedom, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance that follows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels like a dead end, with Egypt’s army closing in on all sides, it can seem impossible to move forward. The Israelites found themselves at Pi-hahiroth, trapped between the sea and their pursuers. This place was not just a geographical stop; it was a moment of total dependence. God did not lead them away from the danger immediately but brought them right to the edge, forcing them to trust Him for what their own strength could not achieve.
That same divine guidance is available to you today. Even when circumstances seem closed off and fear rises, remember that this location marked the beginning of deliverance. The sea did not part because the people were brave, but because God was faithful. Your current 'edge' may be the very place where His power becomes most visible, turning a moment of panic into a testimony of grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hahiroth3×
- Pi-3×
- <the>/ Hahiroth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פִּ֣י2×
- הַחִירֹ֔ת2×
- פִּי֙1×
- הַֽחִירֹ֔ת1×
- הַֽ/חִירֹ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.
This verse establishes Pi-hahiroth as a deliberate divine instruction, showing that the Israelites were led to this specific spot by God's command rather than accident.
-
Exodus 14:9
The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
Here the word highlights the intensity of the crisis, as the Egyptian army catches up exactly at this encampment, raising the stakes for the upcoming miracle.
-
Numbers 33:8
They traveled from before Hahiroth, and crossed through the middle of the sea into the wilderness. They went three days’ journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah.
This occurrence connects the location directly to the act of crossing, marking Pi-hahiroth as the starting point for leaving the old life behind and entering the wilderness.