הָמוֹן
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
Definition
The Hebrew noun הָמוֹן (hâmôwn) primarily denotes a loud, tumultuous noise, such as the roar of a crowd or the tumult of battle, as in 1 Samuel 4:14. It frequently refers to a large, noisy multitude or crowd, like the vast company of people promised to Abraham in Genesis 17:4-5. In a more abstract sense, it can describe a state of disquiet or agitation. Additionally, the word developed a significant secondary meaning of 'abundance' or 'wealth,' referring to a great quantity of possessions or riches, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:19 where David distributes food to the 'multitude' of people.
Biblical Usage
הָמוֹן is used 78 times across various Old Testament books, including historical narratives, wisdom literature, and the prophets. Its most common usage is for a literal, often noisy, crowd or multitude, especially in military contexts (e.g., Judges 4:7, 1 Samuel 14:16). The sense of 'abundance' or 'wealth' appears prominently in wisdom contexts like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. The word is also used for the tumultuous sound of nature, such as roaring waters or rustling trees.
Etymology
Derived from the root הָמָה (H1993, hāmâ), meaning 'to murmur, roar, be tumultuous, be agitated.' This root conveys the core ideas of noise and commotion. הָמוֹן is the nominal form, capturing the state or result of that noise—either the sound itself, the group making it, or the abundant quantity it can metaphorically represent.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects God's promises, human rebellion, and divine judgment. The promise of a vast 'multitude' to Abraham (Genesis 17:4-5) underscores God's covenant faithfulness in creating a people. Conversely, the word often describes the chaotic 'tumult' of rebellious nations or armies arrayed against God (e.g., Ezekiel 7:12-13). It reminds the reader that human abundance and noise can signify either God's blessing or the prideful chaos of a fallen world, enriching passages about God's sovereignty over all crowds and riches.
In ancient Israelite culture, a large, noisy crowd (הָמוֹן) was not a neutral concept; it could signify either great blessing (a populous family, a victorious army) or great threat (an invading horde, social unrest). The semantic link between 'tumult' and 'wealth' reflects a worldview where abundant possessions were not quiet or static but could create social noise, draw attention, and potentially lead to strife or pride, as critiqued in wisdom literature.
עַם (ʿam, H5971) — a people or nation, more focused on ethnic/political unity than noise or quantity. ; רַב (rav, H7227) — an adjective meaning 'many, great,' often describing size or number without the connotation of noise. ; שָׁאוֹן (shāʾôn, H7588) — a more specific term for a roaring or crashing sound, often of waters or destruction.
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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