הֲמֻלָּה

a sound

Definition

The Hebrew noun הֲמֻלָּה refers to a loud, tumultuous sound, often with a sense of commotion or uproar. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the powerful, roaring noise of a great multitude or a natural force. In Ezekiel 1:24, it specifically denotes the thunderous sound of the wings of the living creatures accompanying God's throne, like 'the noise of many waters' or 'the voice of the Almighty.' In Jeremiah 11:16, the word is used metaphorically for the tumult or roar of a raging fire, symbolizing the destructive judgment God brings upon Judah.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in prophetic books describing divine manifestations. In Ezekiel 1:24, it is part of a theophanic vision, describing the overwhelming sound associated with God's mobile throne-chariot. In Jeremiah 11:16, it is used in an allegory where God compares Judah to a green olive tree that He will set on fire, with its branches making a 'roaring' sound (הֲמֻלָּה). Both uses convey a powerful, awe-inspiring, and potentially destructive auditory phenomenon linked to God's presence and judgment.

Etymology

The word הֲמֻלָּה is derived from an unused Hebrew root (המל) meaning to rush or roar, likely imitative of a loud, chaotic noise. It appears as a feminine noun, possibly a passive participle form, emphasizing a state of being stirred up or in an uproar. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the sense of noise, confusion, or tumult. Its meaning is closely tied to the visceral experience of a powerful, rushing sound.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is used in contexts of divine revelation and judgment. In Ezekiel 1, the 'sound' (הֲמֻלָּה) is part of the overwhelming sensory experience of God's glory, highlighting His majesty and otherness. In Jeremiah 11, the same sound signifies the inescapable and devastating consequences of covenant-breaking. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting the audible roar directly to themes of God's awesome power, the seriousness of His word, and the fearful reality of His judgment, moving beyond a generic 'sound' to a specific category of divine tumult.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, powerful natural sounds—like roaring waters, thunder, or a raging fire—were often associated with the presence and voice of deities. The use of הֲמֻלָּה to describe the sound of God's chariot (Ezekiel 1:24) would resonate with cultural understandings of a god arriving in a storm cloud or with thunder. The metaphorical use for fire's roar (Jeremiah 11:16) taps into a common experience of destructive wildfires, making the prophecy of judgment vividly tangible.

קוֹל (qôl, H6963) — a more general term for 'voice' or 'sound'. הֲמֻלָּה specifies a tumultuous, roaring type of sound. רַעַשׁ (raʿash, H7494) — means 'quaking,' 'trembling,' or 'commotion,' often of the earth or a crowd, overlapping with הֲמֻלָּה in the sense of tumult but with a stronger connotation of shaking.

Word Details

Scripture References