חַרְחוּר
𐤇𐤓𐤇𐤅𐤓
Charechur
H2744 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name of uncertain derivation, used to designate an individual among the group known as the Nethinim (temple servants) who returned from exile. The root meaning is unclear, but the form Χַרְחוּר participates as a theophoric or descriptive name within genealogical lists. While formally similar to terms for 'burning' or 'inflammation,' the meaning as a personal name is distinct and the semantic connection is not clearly established.
Semantic Range
(as a name) personal name of a Nethinim; (etymologically, root-level) burning, intense heat, inflammation; agitation
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. The form חַרְחוּר (Charchûwr) superficially resembles nouns from the root חרחר, which can indicate intense burning or agitation, but its application as a personal name is not directly linked to these verbal or nominal forms. Alternatively, it may be a longer form intended to distinguish from similar but distinct roots/words.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַרְחוּר appears exclusively in post-exilic genealogies (Ezra 2:51; Nehemiah 7:53) listing the Nethinim – a group of temple servants, distinct from Levites, who accompanied the return from Babylonian exile. Its appearance as a name reflects the literary genre of lists in Persian period Judean society. English translations sometimes render the name as Harhur, occasionally conflating it with 'Harhur' (חַרְחוּר H2744), but its actual meaning is obscure. No narrative or descriptive use is attested, and speculation linking the term to 'burning' or 'inflammation' is based only on superficial similarity to the root חרחר; there is no contextual support for such a semantic resonance in the case of the personal name. The term provides insight into the onomastics of post-exilic Judean society but has no bearing on ritual, theological, or broader lexical meanings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a fuller form of חַרְחֻר; inflammation; Charchur, one of the Nethinim; Harhur.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חרחר (ḥ-r-ḥ-r) — burn intensely, be inflamed, stir up
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2744-01 |
חַרְחֽוּר | charechur | HNp |
Harhur | Charchur | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2744-01 |
Ezra 2:51 | חַרְחֽוּר | charechur | HNp |
Harhur | Charchur |
H2744-01 |
Nehemiah 7:53 | חַרְחֽוּר | charechur | HNp |
Harhur | Charchur |