חֹם

heat

Definition

The Hebrew noun חֹם (chôm) primarily means 'heat' or 'warmth,' referring to physical temperature. It most often describes the intense heat of the sun or day, as in the promise that 'seedtime and harvest, cold and heat' will not cease (Genesis 8:22). It can also refer to the warmth of a fire or cooked food, as seen with the 'hot bread' in 1 Samuel 21:6. In a few instances, it is used metaphorically for the heat of passion or zeal, such as the 'heat of the day' when Abraham sat at his tent door (Genesis 18:1), a time of peak intensity.

Biblical Usage

חֹם is used 13 times in the Old Testament, appearing in narrative, poetic, and historical books. Its primary context is describing environmental conditions, like the 'heat of the day' (Genesis 18:1, 2 Samuel 4:5) or the 'heat of the sun' (Nehemiah 7:3). It also describes the warmth of freshly baked bread (1 Samuel 21:6) and is used in the poetic imagery of Job 6:17, where streams vanish 'when it is hot.' In military contexts, it denotes a specific time, as in 1 Samuel 11:9, 11, where a battle is set for the 'heat of the day.'

Etymology

The noun חֹם (chôm) is derived from the root verb חָמַם (chamam, H2552), meaning 'to be hot, to warm.' This root conveys the basic idea of heat and is related to other words for warmth and anger. The noun form specifically denotes the state or quality of being hot.

Semantic Range

While primarily a physical term, חֹם is embedded in key covenantal and providential promises. In Genesis 8:22, God's promise to maintain the cycles of 'cold and heat' underscores the dependability of the created order post-flood. Its use in the 'heat of the day' (Genesis 18:1) sets the scene for the Lord's visitation to Abraham, a moment of divine promise and hospitality. Understanding this term enriches reading by highlighting how ordinary elements like heat are woven into the fabric of God's faithfulness and the timing of His interactions.

In the ancient Near East, the 'heat of the day' (around midday) was a time for rest to avoid the sun's intense, potentially dangerous rays. This cultural practice makes narrative details significant, such as Abraham being at his tent door (Genesis 18:1) or Ishbosheth taking a noon rest (2 Samuel 4:5). The 'hot bread' (1 Samuel 21:6) refers to bread freshly removed from the oven, which was to be eaten while still warm, as per ritual law. This contrasts with a modern, controlled indoor climate where 'heat' may not carry the same daily, practical urgency.

חֲרוֹן (charon, H2740) — burning anger or wrath, often of God; intense heat of emotion. זַעַם (za'am, H2195) — indignation or rage, more about displeasure than temperature. שָׁרָב (sharav, H8273) — scorching heat or drought, specifically a dry, parching heat.

Word Details

Scripture References