חֶרֶךְ
𐤇𐤓𐤊
cherek
H2762 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An opening or aperture in a wall, typically filled with a lattice or grille; a slatted or grated window, most often serving as a vent, window, or peephole. Used for ventilation, protection, or as a point of observation in a building.
Semantic Range
lattice, latticed window, window with grille or slats, aperture with network or mesh, architectural vent or peephole
Root / Etymology
From the root חָרַךְ meaning 'to burn, scorch, parch.' The link between the root meaning and the noun is not entirely direct, possibly relating to the effect of sunlight coming through the lattice (i.e., slats may allow passages of intense light or heat). The nominal form חֶרֶךְ denotes a physical structure in architecture, specifically a type of opening fitted with a lattice or grille.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֶרֶךְ occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible and is best attested in poetic and narrative texts to describe architectural features, notably in Song 2:9 and Proverbs 7:6, where it designates a slatted or latticed window through which a person looks. The term is distinct from other Hebrew words for 'window' (such as חַלּוֹן, challon, which is a more general term), emphasizing the presence of a lattice or grillwork rather than an open aperture. Later translation traditions render חֶרֶךְ variously as 'lattice,' 'grid,' or 'window with latticework,' sometimes simply as 'window.' In Israelite architecture, such features served multiple purposes: ventilation, light, and controlled visibility. English translations occasionally obscure the specific architectural nuance, sometimes using the broader term 'window.' Over time, the semantic field did not shift dramatically, although the architectural technologies to which it referred may have changed in later periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָרַךְ; properly, a net, i.e. (by analogy) lattice; lattice.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חרך (ḥ-r-k) — to burn, scorch, parch
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2762-01 |
הַֽ/חֲרַכִּֽים | hacharakim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the lattice | the latticed openings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2762-01 |
Song of Songs 2:9 | הַֽ/חֲרַכִּֽים | hacharakim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the lattice | the latticed openings |