Lexical Summary
charash: To be silent, to be still, to plow, to engrave, to devise
Original Word:חָרַשׁ
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:charash
Pronunciation:khaw-rash'
Phonetic Spelling:(khaw-rash')
KJV: X altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to scratch
2. (by implication) to engrave, plough
3. (hence, from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material)
4. (figuratively, in a bad sense) to devise
5. (hence, from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone
6. (hence, by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine,
A primitive root; to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone; hence (by implication) to be deaf (as an accompaniment of dumbness) -- X altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker.
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. [] (Late Hebrew
id., plough, so Eth
Phoenician , Aramaic (rare)
engrave,
cleave, plough, Arabic
plough) —
PerfectPsalm 129:3,Judges 14:18;Hosea 10:13;ImperfectIsaiah 28:24;Proverbs 20:4;Hosea 10:11+Amos 6:12 (see below); 2 masculine singularDeuteronomy 22:10;Proverbs 3:29;Infinitive construct1 Samuel 8:12;ParticipleGenesis 4:22 5t.;Amos 9:13; pluralPsalm 129:3,Job 4:8 3t., feminine plural absoluteJob 1:14;passiveJeremiah 17:1: —
cut in, engrave, of worker in metalsGenesis 4:22 (J),1 Kings 7:14; figurativeJeremiah 17:1engraved on the tablet of their heart.
plough, literally, human subject (animal usually with ), no object expressed1 Kings 19:19;Deuteronomy 22:10;Isaiah 28:24, soAmos 6:12 (but read probably , see We and others); with accusative of congnate meaning with verb1 Samuel 8:12plough his ploughing (=do his ploughing),Proverbs 20:4; figurative of JudahHosea 10:11; with ethical referenceHosea 10:13 ("" ),Job 4:8 ("" , );Psalm 129:3upon my back have ploughmen ploughed (figurative of oppression by wicked); =ploughmanIsaiah 28:24;Amos 9:13 ("" ); with oxen subject onlyJob 1:14.
devise (as one whoworks in, practises), usually bad sense, objectProverbs 3:29,Proverbs 6:14;Proverbs 6:18,Proverbs 12:20;Proverbs 14:22; but alsoProverbs 14:22.
Imperfect3feminine singularMicah 3:12 Zion, as a field sheshall be ploughed =Jeremiah 26:18.
Participle1 Samuel 23:9fabricating mischief against (see Dr, and compare We).
II. [] ;
. (Late Hebrew Pi`elmake deaf; Aramaic
,
be dumb, deaf; Arabic
be dumb, speechless, compare Assyrian—arâšu,restrain, according to DlPr 100; see LagBN 120) —
ImperfectPsalm 50:3; 2masculine singularPsalm 28:1;Psalm 83:2;Psalm 35:22;Psalm 109:1;Psalm 39:13; 3feminine pluralMicah 7:16; —
be silent, always of God's keeping silence when men prayPsalm 35:22;Psalm 50:3;Psalm 83:2;Psalm 109:1; followed byPsalm 39:13.
be deaf, subject , followed byPsalm 28:1; subjectMicah 7:16.
PerfectNumbers 30:15;Genesis 34:5; consecutiveNumbers 30:5;Numbers 30:8; consecutiveNumbers 30:12;Esther 7:4 2t. etc.;ImperfectNumbers 30:15 2t. (includingZephaniah 3:17 see below); 2 masculine singularHabakkuk 1:13; jussive1 Samuel 7:8; 2masculine pluralJob 13:5;Exodus 14:14, etc.;ImperativeJudges 18:19 2t.;2 Samuel 13:20;Job 13:13;Isaiah 41:1;Infinitive absoluteNumbers 30:15 2t.;ParticipleGenesis 24:21 2t. (including1 Samuel 10:27 see below);2 Samuel 19:11; —
be silent (=exhibit silence)
Genesis 24:21;Genesis 34:5;Exodus 14:14 (all J),Judges 18:19;2 Samuel 13:20;2 Samuel 19:11;2 Kings 18:36 =Isaiah 36:21;Jeremiah 4:19;Job 6:24;Job 13:5 (twice in verse);Job 13:19;Job 33:31,33;Proverbs 11:12;Proverbs 17:28;Psalm 32:3;Nehemiah 5:8;Esther 4:14 (twice in verse);Esther 7:4; also1 Samuel 10:27 (but read ratherand it came to pass after about a month, Dr);Zephaniah 3:17 ( hewill renew his love, see especially BuhlZAW see 1885, 183); with personkeep silence at one, i.e. fail to make objection at proper timeNumbers 30:5;Numbers 30:8;Numbers 30:12;Numbers 30:15 (3 t. in verse) (all P);Isaiah 41:1 pregnantly =come silently unto me; followed by personcease to speak withJeremiah 38:27;be silent about, pass by in silence, followed by accusativeJob 41:4.
Habakkuk 1:13;Isaiah 42:14;Psalm 50:21.
.make silent, with accusativeJob 11:3.
be deaf, shew deafness:1 Samuel 7:8be not deaf (turning)from us, so as not to cry.
Imperfect3masculine pluralJudges 16:2and they kept quiet.
Topical Lexicon
Semantic Range and Thematic OverviewWith roughly seventy-four appearances across the Hebrew Scriptures, חָרַשׁ moves fluidly through four main spheres of life: agriculture, craftsmanship, moral intention, and restraint of speech. Scripture never treats these domains in isolation; each nuance of the verb contributes to a unified biblical worldview in which the heart, the work of one’s hands, and one’s tongue are held accountable before the LORD.
Agriculture: Breaking Ground and Kingdom Hope
The first and most concrete setting is the field. From the patriarchal period to the prophets, חָרַשׁ describes the farmer who “plows” the soil so that seed may take root (Deuteronomy 22:10;1 Samuel 8:12;1 Kings 19:19). This common labor is woven into Israel’s rhythms of worship—“Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest, even during plowing season” (Exodus 34:21). The imagery expands to poetry and prophecy:
• “Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same” (Job 4:8).
• “The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long” (Psalm 129:3), a vivid lament that lets the furrowed earth depict covenant suffering.
• “Does the plowman plow every day…?” (Isaiah 28:24) sets up a parable of divine wisdom: just as a farmer knows when to break up soil and when to sow, so the LORD knows how to order judgment and mercy.
Thus חָרַשׁ carries eschatological weight; it hints at the day when fields will be safe from both invading armies and moral corruption (compareIsaiah 2:4).
Skill and Craftsmanship: Inscribing the Sanctuary
Another strand of usage highlights artistic precision—cutting stone for settings or carving wood for sacred spaces (Exodus 35:33). Here חָרַשׁ underscores the stewardship of creative gifts. That Bezalel’s skill is “filled with the Spirit of God” (Exodus 35:31) links the verb to inspired service: every cut of the chisel is an act of worship that anticipates the greater sanctuary “not made by human hands” (Hebrews 9:11).
Plotting and Devising: The Battle of the Heart
When the verb crosses from field and workshop to the inner life, its moral stakes intensify. The same mental “cutting” that plans a beam for the tabernacle can scheme evil:
• “Do not devise evil against your neighbor” (Proverbs 3:29).
• “A heart that devises wicked schemes” ranks among the abominations the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:18).
• “Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds!” (Micah 2:1).
By contrast, wisdom redirects this capacity toward good: “Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy” (Proverbs 12:20). Scripture thereby affirms human creativity while warning that ingenuity apart from covenant fidelity becomes destructive.
Silence and Stillness: Reverence, Restraint, and Trust
Perhaps most surprising is the frequent sense “to be silent, keep still.” In narrative, silence can signal watchful discernment (Genesis 24:21) or strategic self-control (Genesis 34:5). In worship it becomes holy dependence: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14). Wisdom literature commends such restraint—“Even a fool is considered wise if he holds his peace” (Proverbs 17:28)—while Ecclesiastes balances it with speech when appropriate (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
The prophets elevate this silence to redemptive heights. Yahweh Himself “kept silent for a long time” before unleashing salvation (Isaiah 42:14). Ultimately, Messiah fulfills the pattern: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7), a text the New Testament applies directly to Jesus Christ (Acts 8:32-35;1 Peter 2:23).
Intertextual Development
1. The plowman’s task becomes a metaphor for spiritual formation; Hosea’s call to “break up your fallow ground” resonates with the plow imagery of earlier texts.
2. The silent Servant motif, rooted in חָרַשׁ, informs later prophetic portraits of the suffering but victorious Redeemer.
3. The contrast between devising evil and devising good shapes later reflections on the heart’s intentions (cf.Matthew 15:19).
Pastoral and Discipleship Implications
• Work: Whether tilling soil or shaping stone, labor done “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23) reflects the dignity implicit in חָרַשׁ.
• Speech: Believers are called to a disciplined tongue—quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to devise harm (James 1:19-20).
• Strategy: Ministry planning must never drift into manipulative scheming; righteous “devising” seeks the good of neighbor and the glory of God.
• Stillness: Seasons of silence before God are not passivity but active trust that He fights for His people.
Christological Fulfillment
Jesus embodies every shade of חָרַשׁ. As a carpenter He literally shaped wood; as the Word made flesh He plowed gospel furrows in human hearts; as the sinless Lamb He kept silent under accusation; and by His cross He undoes every evil scheme, turning the worst human plotting into the very means of redemption (Acts 2:23).
Summary
חָרַשׁ illustrates how one verb can gather the varied endeavors of human existence—work, art, thought, and speech—under the searching eye of God. Whether cutting a straight furrow, chiseling a precious stone, restraining the lips, or setting plans in motion, the covenant people are called to harness their creativity and silence alike in service to the Lord who both guides the plow and honors the quiet heart.
Forms and Transliterations
אַחֲרִ֑ישׁ אַחֲרִ֖ישׁ אַחֲרִ֣ישׁ אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ אחריש הֶ֭חֱרַשְׁתִּי הֶחֱרִ֥שׁ הֶחֱרַ֔שְׁתִּי הַ֝חֲרֵ֗שׁ הַחֲרִ֙ישִׁי֙ הַחֲרִ֣ישׁוּ הַחֲרִ֤ישׁוּ הַחֲרֵ֜שׁ הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ הַחֲרֵשׁ֩ הַחֹרֵ֖שׁ החרישו החרישי החרש החרשתי וְֽהֶחֱרַ֗שְׁתִּי וְהֶחֱרִ֣ישׁ וְהֶחֱרִ֣ישׁוּ וְהֶחֱרִ֣שׁ וְהֶחֱרִ֥ישׁ וְהֶחֱרִ֥שׁ וְלַחֲרֹ֤שׁ וַֽיַּחֲרִ֔ישׁוּ וַיִּתְחָרְשׁ֤וּ וַיַּחֲרִ֣שׁוּ והחריש והחרישו והחרש והחרשתי ויחרישו ויחרשו ויתחרשו ולחרש חֲרַשְׁתֶּ֣ם חֲרַשְׁתֶּם־ חֲרוּשָׁה֙ חָרְשׁ֣וּ חָרַ֣שׁ חֹ֣רְשֵׁי חֹ֭רֵשׁ חֹֽרְשׁ֔וֹת חֹרְשִׁ֑ים חֹרֵ֔שׁ חֹרֵ֣שׁ חוֹרֵשׁ֙ חורש חרושה חרש חרשו חרשות חרשי חרשים חרשתם חרשתם־ יֶ֫חֱרַ֥שׁ יַחֲר֖וֹשׁ יַחֲר֣וֹשׁ יַחֲרִ֑ישׁו יַחֲרִ֨ישׁ יַחֲרִֽישׁ׃ יַחֲרִישׁ֙ יַחֲרֹ֑שׁ יַחֲרֹ֥שׁ יחרוש יחריש יחריש׃ יחרישו יחרש כְּמַחֲרִֽישׁ׃ כמחריש׃ מַ֭חֲרִישׁ מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ מַחֲרִ֣ישׁ מַחֲרִשִׁ֖ים מחריש מחרשים רָעָ֑ה רעה תֵֽחָרֵ֑שׁ תֵֽחָרֵשׁ֙ תֶּ֫חֱרַ֥שׁ תֶּֽחֱשֶׁ֥ה תֶּחֱרַ֑שׁ תֶּחֱרַ֖שׁ תֶּחֱרַ֪שׁ תֶּחֱרַֽשְׁנָה׃ תֶּחֱרַֽשׁ׃ תַּחֲרִ֕ישׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ תַּחֲרִישֽׁוּן׃ תַּחֲרִישׁ֑וּן תַּחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַחֲרֹ֥שׁ תחריש תחרישון תחרישון׃ תחרישי תחרש תחרש׃ תחרשנה׃ תחשה ’a·ḥă·rîš ’aḥărîš achaRish chaRash charashTem chareShu charuShah choResh Choreshei choreShim choreShot ha·ḥă·rêš ha·ḥă·rî·šî ha·ḥă·rî·šū ha·ḥō·rêš ḥā·raš ḥă·raš·tem ḥă·raš·tem- ḥā·rə·šū ḥă·rū·šāh hachaResh hachaRishi hachaRishu hachoResh haḥărêš haḥărîšî haḥărîšū haḥōrêš ḥāraš ḥăraštem ḥăraštem- ḥārəšū ḥărūšāh he·ḥĕ·raš·tî he·ḥĕ·riš hecheRashti hecheRish heḥĕraštî heḥĕriš ḥō·rə·šê ḥō·rə·šîm ḥō·rə·šō·wṯ ḥō·rêš ḥō·w·rêš ḥōrêš ḥōrəšê ḥōrəšîm ḥōrəšōwṯ ḥōwrêš kə·ma·ḥă·rîš kemachaRish kəmaḥărîš ma·ḥă·ri·šîm ma·ḥă·rîš machaRish machariShim maḥărîš maḥărišîm rā‘āh rā·‘āh raAh ta·ḥă·rêš ta·ḥă·rî·šî ta·ḥă·rî·šūn ta·ḥă·rîš ṯa·ḥă·rōš tachaResh tachaRish tachariShi tachariShun tachaRosh taḥărêš taḥărîš taḥărîšî taḥărîšūn ṯaḥărōš ṯê·ḥā·rêš te·ḥĕ·raš te·ḥĕ·raš·nāh te·ḥĕ·šeh techaResh techeRash techeRashnah techeSheh ṯêḥārêš teḥĕraš teḥĕrašnāh teḥĕšeh vaiyachaRishu vaiyitchareShu vehecheRashti vehecheRish vehecheRishu velachaRosh way·ya·ḥă·ri·šū way·ya·ḥă·rî·šū way·yiṯ·ḥā·rə·šū wayyaḥărišū wayyaḥărîšū wayyiṯḥārəšū wə·he·ḥĕ·raš·tî wə·he·ḥĕ·rî·šū wə·he·ḥĕ·riš wə·he·ḥĕ·rîš wə·la·ḥă·rōš wəheḥĕraštî wəheḥĕriš wəheḥĕrîš wəheḥĕrîšū wəlaḥărōš ya·ḥă·rî·šw ya·ḥă·rîš ya·ḥă·rō·wōš ya·ḥă·rōš yachaRish yachaRishv yachaRoosh yachaRosh yaḥărîš yaḥărîšw yaḥărōš yaḥărōwōš ye·ḥĕ·raš yecheRash yeḥĕraš
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