הֶרֶס
𐤄𐤓𐤎
hereç
H2041 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Physical demolition or complete breakdown of a structure; by extension, devastation or total ruin of something, whether material or symbolic. The term typically denotes a heap of ruins or a state of utter destruction resulting from violent force.
Semantic Range
demolition, physical ruin, heap of ruins, utter devastation, obliteration, destruction (esp. of buildings or cities); figurative usage for total collapse or ruin of entities
Root / Etymology
From the root הרס, meaning 'to tear down, throw down, break down.' The noun הֶרֶס derives directly from this root, referring to that which results from the action — i.e., what remains after something is razed or destroyed.
Historical & Contextual Notes
הֶרֶס occurs most often in poetic or prophetic texts to emphasize the aftermath of catastrophic destruction, whether of cities, houses, or symbolic structures (e.g., judgments against nations or locations). In biblical usage, it often reinforces the totality or irreversibility of the action. Unlike synonyms such as חָרְבָּה (ḥorbah, 'desolation, wasteland'), הֶרֶס has a more active connotation — something has been torn down, not simply allowed to lapse into disrepair. During the monarchic and exilic periods, the term often referred to destruction brought by military conquest. Occasionally it can be contrasted with words for partial damage or abandonment, as הֶרֶס implies thorough obliteration. English translations ('destruction,' 'demolition,' etc.) generally capture its force, but may miss the nuance of active, usually violent, ruin.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from הָרַס; demolition; destruction.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
הרס (h-r-s) — tear down, break apart, demolish
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2034 | הֲרִיסָה | and his demolitions |
| H2035 | הֲרִיסוּת | your devastation |
| H2040 | הָרַס | I will tear down |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2041-01 |
הַ/הֶ֔רֶס | haheres | HTd/Ncmsa |
of Destruction | the ruin-heap | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2041-01 |
Isaiah 19:18 | הַ/הֶ֔רֶס | haheres | HTd/Ncmsa |
of Destruction | the ruin-heap |