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חוּר

𐤇𐤅𐤓

Chur

H2354 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חור to be white, to shine, whiteness, linen

Definition

Chur (Chûwr) — a personal name used for several individuals in the Hebrew Bible, primarily referring to Israelite men and once to a Midianite leader. The name does not have intrinsic meaning in Biblical usage outside of its function as a proper noun, though it is etymologically connected with the root meaning 'white' or 'linen.' In specific biblical contexts, 'Chur' is most notably an Israelite associated with Moses and the Exodus narrative, as well as other bearers of the name in genealogical and narrative materials.

Semantic Range

proper name of several Israelites; the name of one Midianite leader; no independent lexical meaning outside of its function as a personal name

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root חור (ḥ-v-r), relating to whiteness, white cloth, or purity. The proper noun usage likely does not retain a living sense of 'white' in narrative context, functioning primarily as a personal name. Root etymology: חָוַר or חוּר — to be white, to shine. In some Semitic languages, similar roots reference noble lineage or distinguished status, possibly associated as a by-name or title.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The name Chur (חֻר, ḥûr) appears for four Israelite individuals: (1) an associate of Moses and Aaron, possibly of Judahite lineage, in Exodus 17:10–12 and 24:14; (2) a Judahite ancestor of a Bethlehemite family in 1 Chronicles; (3) other minor genealogical figures; and (4) in Numbers 31:8, as a Midianite leader defeated by the Israelites. In earlier period texts (patriarchal, monarchic), usage as a proper name emphasizes genealogy — no doctrinal or theological significance is attached in the narrative. Greco-Roman period translation traditions sometimes rendered the name as 'Hur,' but this anglicization loses connection to potential Hebrew connotations. Not to be confused with 'Horites' (Strong's H2752, חרי/חרי), an unrelated ethnonym. The translation 'Hur' in English Bibles follows later English tradition and does not reflect Hebrew pronunciation. The name's association with the root for 'white' or 'linen' does not clearly influence its narrative use, unlike some other Hebrew names.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as חוּר or חוּר; Chur, the name of four Israelites and one Midianite; Hur.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חור (ḥ-w-r) — to be white, to shine, whiteness, linen

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1032 בֵּית חוֹרוֹן Horon
H1133 בֶּן־חוּר Chur
H2352 חוּר Holes
H2353 חוּר Chur
H2355 חוֹר pierced opening

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2354-01 ח֖וּר chur HNp Hur Chur 10
H2354-02 וְ/ח֔וּר vechur HC/Np and Hur and Chur 5

Occurrences in Scripture

15 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2354-02 Exodus 17:10 וְ/ח֔וּר vechur HC/Np and Hur and Chur
H2354-02 Exodus 17:12 וְ/ח֜וּר vechur HC/Np and Hur and Chur
H2354-02 Exodus 24:14 וְ/חוּר֙ vechur HC/Np and Hur and Chur
H2354-01 Exodus 31:2 ח֖וּר chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 Exodus 35:30 ח֖וּר chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 Exodus 38:22 ח֖וּר chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 Numbers 31:8 חוּר֙ chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 Joshua 13:21 חוּר֙ chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 Nehemiah 3:9 ח֔וּר chur HNp Hur Chur
H2354-01 1 Chronicles 2:19 חֽוּר chur HNp Hur Chur
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