עָכוֹר
𐤏𐤊𐤅𐤓
Akhor
H5911 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Achor is a toponym referring to a specific geographical location meaning 'trouble' or 'disturbance'; specifically, it designates a valley west of Jericho, associated in the Hebrew Bible with events of divine displeasure or calamity. While the primary usage is as a proper place name, the semantic root implies a sense of being disturbed or troubled.
Semantic Range
name of a location linked to trouble or calamity; valley associated with divine judgment; metaphor for misfortune or, in prophecy, eventual hope
Root / Etymology
Root: עכר (ʻ-k-r), meaning 'to disturb, trouble, bring disaster.' The place name עָכוֹר ('Achor') is derived from this root, abstracting the sense of trouble or disturbance into a concrete location, i.e., 'Valley of Trouble.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, the 'Valley of Achor' is first referenced in Joshua 7 in connection with the punishment of Achan for violating the sacred ban, thus bringing calamity upon Israel. It is again mentioned in prophetic literature (Isaiah 65:10; Hosea 2:17) as a place associated with hope or reversal of misfortune, playing on the original meaning of 'trouble.' The term is geographically vague but is generally located west of Jericho. While later English translations have rendered it 'Valley of Achor' or transliterated the name, the semantic nuance of 'trouble' is important for understanding its literary function as both a place of divine judgment and, later, a symbol of renewal. The place name is formed directly from the root of its meaning, unlike other valley names that may have unrelated etymologies.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from עָכַר; troubled; Akor, the name of a place in Palestine; Achor.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עכר (ʿ-k-r) — disturbance, trouble, disaster
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5911-01 |
עָכֽוֹר | akhor | HNp |
Achor | Trouble-vale | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5911-01 |
Joshua 7:24 | עָכֽוֹר | akhor | HNp |
of Achor | Trouble-vale |
H5911-01 |
Joshua 7:26 | עָכ֔וֹר | akhor | HNp |
Achor | Trouble-vale |
H5911-01 |
Joshua 15:7 | עָכוֹר֒ | akhor | HNp |
Achor | Trouble-vale |
H5911-01 |
Isaiah 65:10 | עָכ֖וֹר | akhor | HNp |
of Achor | Trouble-vale |
H5911-01 |
Hosea 2:17 | עָכ֖וֹר | akhor | HNp |
Achor | Trouble-vale |