Chol (Bible)

In the Hebrew Bible, "Chol" (חול) generally refers to sand. Its meaning can extend beyond the literal grains of sand to symbolize a large quantity, something innumerable, or something commonplace and easily overlooked.

Figuratively, Chol is often used to illustrate the vastness of a population, the multitude of something, or the ephemeral nature of earthly things. For example, God's promise to Abraham to multiply his descendants "as the sand which is upon the sea shore" (Genesis 22:17) employs "chol" to convey the idea of countless offspring.

The term's connotation can also represent the mundane or the ordinary, contrasting with the sacred or the holy. The Hebrew word "kodesh" means holy, while "chol" can sometimes be seen as its opposite in the sense of the profane or non-sacred – though it is important to note that "chol" itself is not inherently negative. It simply signifies the common and everyday.

The understanding of "chol" in different biblical contexts requires careful consideration of the surrounding verses and the overall message being conveyed. It’s a simple word with profound symbolic potential, often used to emphasize scale, abundance, or the contrast between the sacred and the secular.