קִיר חֶרֶשׂ (qir che.re.s)
qir che.re.s
Kir-hareseth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase qir che.re.s, known in English as Kir-hareseth, translates literally to "wall of potsherds." It serves as a specific geographical name for one of the two primary strongholds of ancient Moab. The term appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the prophetic books of Jeremiah and Isaiah, as well as in II Kings.
Its meaning derives from its components: qir meaning "wall" or "city," and che.re.s referring to "potsherds" or broken pottery. This etymology suggests a settlement built with or characterized by earthen materials, perhaps reflecting the local architecture or terrain. The sources identify it as a key fortified location, distinct from other Moabite cities.
Prophetic texts use this city to illustrate judgment against Moab. When Jeremiah and Isaiah pronounce doom upon the nation, Kir-hareseth is often singled out as a place of pride that will fall. Its mention grounds these abstract warnings in a real, tangible location, reminding readers that divine messages targeted specific political centers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Kir-hareseth, meaning "wall of potsherds," was a fortified stronghold in ancient Moab. Its name suggests a city built with local earthen materials, perhaps reflecting the terrain or architecture of the region. In the biblical narrative, it stands as a symbol of human pride and military strength. Yet, the prophets use this specific location to show that even the most secure places are subject to divine judgment.
When Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of Moab’s fall, they do not speak in abstract terms. They name Kir-hareseth, grounding their warnings in a real, tangible place. This reminds us that God’s word is not distant or vague; it addresses the concrete realities of history and human power. The city’s destruction serves as a sobering reminder that no fortress can withstand the purposes of God.
For believers today, this passage invites reflection on where we place our trust. Are we relying on our own strength, resources, or security? Or are we resting in the sovereignty of God? The fall of Kir-hareseth calls us to humility, acknowledging that all human achievements are temporary. It points us toward a hope that is not built on walls, but on the unshakable foundation of God’s faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kir3×
- Heres3×
- Hareseth2×
- in <the>/ Kir1×
- for/ Kir1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִֽיר\־2×
- קִיר\־1×
- לְ/קִ֥יר1×
- חָֽרֶשׂ\׃1×
- חֶ֖רֶשׂ1×
- חֶ֔רֶשׂ1×
- חֲרָ֑שֶׂת1×
- חֲרֶ֛שֶׂת1×
- בַּ/קִּ֖יר1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 16:7
Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken.
This verse uses the mournful imagery of Kir Hareseth's raisin cakes to personify Moab's national grief, linking the city's identity directly to its impending loss.
-
Jeremiah 48:31
Therefore I will wail for Moab. Yes, I will cry out for all Moab. They will mourn for the men of Kir Heres.
Here, the prophet’s personal wail for Moab extends specifically to the men of Kir Heres, highlighting the city as a focal point of divine sorrow and judgment.
-
II Kings 3:25
They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land each man cast his stone, and filled it. They also stopped all the springs of water and cut down all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth all they left was its stones; however the men armed with slings went around it and attacked it.
This historical account describes the siege of Kir Hareseth, showing that even when all other resources were destroyed, the city’s walls remained until the end, illustrating its stubborn resilience.