Lexical Summary chaphor: To dig, to search Original Word: חֲפֹר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mole From chaphar; a hole; only in connection with perah, which ought rather to be joined as one word, thus chapharperah {khaf-ar- pay-raw'}; by reduplication from chaphar; a burrower, i.e. Probably a rat -- + mole. see HEBREW chaphar see HEBREW perah see HEBREW chaphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsee chapharparah. Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲפַרְמָּרָה] noun feminine mole (as digger) — only Isaiah 2:20, read לַחֲפַרְמָּרוֺת (ᵑ0 לַחְמֹּר מֵּרוֺת, meaning obscure, see conjectures in Thes GesComm. 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 in Isaiah 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. 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 anticipates Revelation 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 pêrōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 2:20 HEB: לוֹ֙ לְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֹ֔ת לַחְפֹּ֥ר פֵּר֖וֹת וְלָעֲטַלֵּפִֽים׃ INT: made to worship mole mole and the bats Isaiah 2:20 2 Occurrences |
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