חֶמֶר
wine (as fermenting)
Definition
The Hebrew noun חֶמֶר (chemer) refers to a specific type of wine, understood as a choice, fermented, and often red vintage. It is not a generic term for all wine but denotes a high-quality, potent beverage. Its single biblical occurrence in Deuteronomy 32:14 poetically describes the abundant blessings God provided Israel, listing 'the blood of grapes' as chemer, emphasizing richness and excellence. The term inherently carries the sense of something that has fermented or foamed, linking it to the process of winemaking.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 32:14, within the 'Song of Moses.' Here, it appears in a list of the finest agricultural products—'the blood of the grapes you drank as chemer'—symbolizing the peak of God's material provision for his people. Its usage is exclusively poetic and celebratory, denoting a luxurious, high-quality drink in a context of blessing and abundance.
Etymology
Derived from the root חָמַר (H2560, chamar), meaning 'to boil up' or 'foam,' which describes the fermentation process. The noun חֶמֶר directly reflects this, meaning the fermented product itself. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to wine or fermentation, confirming this core meaning of a vigorously fermented beverage.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, חֶמֶר is theologically significant as it depicts God's generous and abundant provision. In Deuteronomy 32:14, it is not merely sustenance but a symbol of covenant blessing, joy, and the goodness of the Promised Land. Understanding this specific term enriches the reading by highlighting that God's gifts are of the finest quality, pointing to his desire to bless his people richly within the covenant relationship.
In the ancient Near East, wine was a vital commodity, a symbol of wealth, joy, and divine favor. חֶמֶר, as a choice fermented wine, would have been understood as a luxury item, not everyday table wine. Its mention alongside 'the fat of lambs and rams' (Deuteronomy 32:14) places it among the most desirable products, reflecting a culture that saw such abundance as a direct sign of divine blessing and prosperity.
יַיִן (yayin, H3196) — The common, general term for wine. חֶמֶר specifies a choice, fermented vintage, whereas יַיִן can refer to wine in any context. תִּירוֹשׁ (tirosh, H8492) — Often translated 'new wine' or 'sweet wine,' typically unfermented or in the process of fermentation, contrasting with חֶמֶר's emphasis on being fully fermented.
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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