che.re.s denotes earthenware objects, especially vessels, and can refer to broken pottery or frame a comparison.

The occurrences most often place the noun in clauses about an earthenware vessel used, handled, or broken; other contexts show broken pottery or use earthenware in comparisons with human-made objects.

1. Earthenware vessel or container · dominant

   In Leviticus 11:33, the noun occurs in the instruction that a vessel into which something falls becomes unclean and is to be broken. In Leviticus 14:5 and Numbers 5:17, the APB renders clauses about a vessel holding water; Jeremiah 32:14 similarly speaks of placing documents in an earthenware jar.

   Leviticus 11:33Leviticus 14:5Numbers 5:17Jeremiah 32:14Leviticus 15:12Leviticus 14:50
2. Broken pottery or a shattered vessel · occasional

   In Isaiah 30:14, the singular noun stands in a clause about smashing a potter's vessel until no fragment remains. In Job 2:8, the APB renders the setting as Job taking a piece of broken pottery, while Ezekiel 23:34 has the plural construct form in the command to break it to pieces.

   Isaiah 30:14Job 2:8Ezekiel 23:34
3. Earthenware in a comparison · occasional

   In Isaiah 45:9, the singular and plural forms occur in the comparison of one who contends with his Maker to an earthen vessel among vessels of earth. Lamentations 4:2 compares Zion's precious sons with earthenware made by a potter, and Proverbs 26:23 compares deceptive speech and intent to glaze over earthenware.

   Isaiah 45:9Lamentations 4:2Proverbs 26:23

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the noun as “earthenware vessel” or “earthenware jar,” and in other contexts as “broken pottery,” “earthen vessel,” or “earthenware.” These renderings reflect whole clauses.