חַמּוּק
a wrapping, i.e. drawers
Definition
The Hebrew word חַמּוּק (chammûwq) refers to a type of garment, specifically a wrapping or undergarment, likely meaning 'drawers' or 'loincloth.' It is derived from a root meaning 'to wrap' or 'to enclose.' In its single biblical occurrence in Song of Solomon 7:1, it is used poetically in a description of the beloved's graceful legs or thighs, comparing them to ornaments or jewels. The term emphasizes beauty, elegance, and perhaps intimate adornment within the context of marital love.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Song of Solomon 7:1 (Hebrew 7:2). It is used in a highly poetic and descriptive context within the Song of Solomon, a book rich with metaphorical language about love and beauty. Here, it is part of a detailed physical description praising the beloved, specifically referring to the 'curves' or 'ornaments' of her thighs. The usage is entirely aesthetic and romantic, with no other occurrences to compare for different contexts.
Etymology
The noun חַמּוּק (chammûwq) comes from the root verb חָמַק (chāmaq, H2559), which means 'to wrap, enclose, or turn about.' This root conveys the idea of something that is wrapped around or encloses, which fits the garment sense of 'drawers' or a loincloth. The development from a verb meaning 'to wrap' to a noun for a specific wrapped garment is straightforward, highlighting its functional origin.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is not central to major doctrines, its use in Song of Solomon 7:1 contributes to the book's celebration of marital love and physical beauty as gifts from God. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by clarifying the precise, intimate imagery of adornment and grace, affirming the goodness of human love within the biblical framework. It reminds readers that the details of poetic scripture are intentionally crafted.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, garments like חַמּוּק were basic undergarments or wrappings. In the context of Song of Solomon, such a reference to intimate clothing in a poetic description would have been understood as a celebration of marital intimacy and beauty, not as vulgar. The cultural norm valued metaphorical, artistic expression of love within marriage, differing from some modern sensitivities where such direct physical descriptions might be misinterpreted.
חֲגוֹר (chăgôr, H2290) — a belt or girdle, often worn over garments for fastening. מַעֲטֶה (maʿăṭeh, H4594) — a covering or cloak, a more general outer garment.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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