חֶשְׁמוֹן

Cheshmon, a place in Palestine

Definition

חֶשְׁמוֹן (Cheshmôwn) is a proper noun referring to a specific location in ancient Palestine. It is identified as a town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, listed among the cities in the Negev, the southern desert region (Joshua 15:27). The name itself means 'opulent' or 'fertile,' which may describe the character of the area or express a hope for its prosperity. As a place name, it has only this singular geographical sense in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Joshua 15:27. It appears in a list of cities that formed the southern boundary of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. Its usage is purely geographical and administrative, serving to define territorial allotments following the conquest of Canaan.

Etymology

The name חֶשְׁמוֹן (Cheshmôwn) is derived from the same root as H2831, חַשְׁמַן (chashman), which means 'opulent,' 'fat,' or 'fertile.' This suggests the name was descriptive, likely referring to the richness or productive potential of the location. It is a proper noun formed from a common adjective to designate a specific place.

Semantic Range

As a place name in a tribal boundary list, Cheshmon reflects the Israelite practice of carefully delineating tribal territories, which was crucial for identity, inheritance, and governance. The meaning 'opulent' may indicate the town was in or near a more fertile part of the generally arid Negev, or the name may have carried aspirational significance. Its exact location remains uncertain to modern archaeology.

No direct synonyms as a proper place name. Related conceptually to other Judahite city names in Joshua 15:21-32, such as בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Be'er Sheva`, H884) and מָדְמַנָּה (Madmannah, H4089).

Word Details

Scripture References