Lexical Summary
chaphor: To dig, to search
Original Word:חֲפֹר
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:chaphor
Pronunciation:khaw-fore'
Phonetic Spelling:(khaf-ore')
KJV: + mole
Word Origin:[fromH2658 (חָפַר - dug), a hole; only in connection withH6512 (פֵּרָה - Blossom), which ought rather to be joined as one word, thus chapharperah {khaf-ar- pay-raw'}; by reduplication fromH2658 (חָפַר - dug)]
1. a burrower, i.e. probably a rat
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
mole
Fromchaphar; a hole; only in connection withperah, which ought rather to be joined as one word, thus chapharperah {khaf-ar- pay-raw'}; by reduplication fromchaphar; a burrower, i.e. Probably a rat -- + mole.
see HEBREWchaphar
see HEBREWperah
see HEBREWchaphar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originsee
chapharparah.
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[] (as
digger) — only
Isaiah 2:20, read ( , meaning obscure, see conjectures in Thes Ges
Comm. Di).
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Imageryחֲפֹר designates the mole, a burrowing mammal that inhabits darkness beneath the ground. Its hidden, subterranean life made it an effective emblem in Scripture for what is unclean, concealed, and ultimately destined for obscurity.
Scriptural Occurrence
Both appearances of the term are found inIsaiah 2:20. In the day of the Lord, “men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and their idols of gold, which they made to worship” (Isaiah 2:20). The doubling of the word in the verse heightens the vividness of the scene and seals the prophetic warning.
Historical and Cultural Setting
Isaiah ministered during an era of expanding wealth in Judah, when imported silver and gold encouraged a flourishing trade in idols (Isaiah 2:7–8). By assigning those gleaming images to a creature associated with darkness and uncleanness, the prophet exposes the absurdity of trusting anything fashioned by human hands.
Symbolic Significance
1. Darkness versus Light
The mole’s blindness mirrors the spiritual blindness of idolaters (Romans 1:21–23). The day of divine visitation will expose every work concealed in darkness (1 Corinthians 4:5).
2. Worthless Treasure
Silver and gold, once displayed with pride, are hurled into holes in the ground. The scene dramatizes how sin turns even precious things into refuse (Philippians 3:7–8).
3. Reversal of Pride
Those who once elevated their idols will debase them. Isaiah’s image parallels his broader theme: “The pride of man will be humbled and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day” (Isaiah 2:17).
Natural History
The Syrian mole (Talpa levantis) and related species inhabit the Levant today. Blind, earth-coated, and rarely seen, they offered an apt picture for moral and ritual uncleanness in the Hebrew imagination, especially when contrasted with the radiant glory of God.
Theological Emphasis
By invoking חֲפֹר, Isaiah underscores that anything occupying God’s rightful place—however costly—ultimately ends up in darkness. The word therefore reinforces the consistent biblical call to exclusive allegiance to the LORD (Exodus 20:3).
Practical and Ministry Applications
• Preaching and Teaching: Use the verse to challenge modern idols—wealth, technology, celebrity—that will one day be discarded as worthless.
• Personal Discipleship: Hidden sin resembles a mole’s tunnel system; confession and repentance bring it into the light (1 John 1:7).
• Evangelism and Missions: Isaiah’s warning stirs urgency to proclaim the gospel before people face the futility of their false refuges (Acts 17:29–31).
Related Themes and Passages
Idolatry:Deuteronomy 32:21;1 John 5:21
The Day of the LORD:Zephaniah 1:14–18;2 Thessalonians 1:7–10
Hidden Works Exposed:Ecclesiastes 12:14;Ephesians 5:11–14
Unclean Creatures:Leviticus 11:29–31
Christological and Eschatological Connections
Isaiah’s picture anticipatesRevelation 6:15–17, where the wealthy and powerful seek hiding places from the wrath of the Lamb. By contrast, those who trust in Jesus Christ—the true Light of the world (John 8:12)—will not be driven into darkness but welcomed into His glorious presence.
Forms and Transliterations
לַחְפֹּ֥ר לחפר פֵּר֖וֹת פרות lachPor laḥ·pōr laḥpōr pê·rō·wṯ peRot pêrōwṯ
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