חֲצַרְמָוֶת

חֲצַרְמָוֶת

Chatsarmaveth, a place in Arabia

Definition

Chatsarmaveth is a proper noun referring to a place in Arabia, specifically a region or settlement associated with one of the descendants of Shem. It is identified as the name of a son of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10:26, 1 Chronicles 1:20). The name itself is understood to mean 'village of death' or 'court of death,' derived from its Hebrew components. In biblical context, it primarily serves as a geographical marker within genealogical lists, denoting a tribal group or territory in the Arabian Peninsula.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in two Old Testament genealogical passages: Genesis 10:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:20. In both instances, it is listed as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who are described as ancestors of various Arabian tribes. The usage is strictly as a proper name for a person/place within these lineage records, with no narrative or descriptive context provided beyond the genealogical lists.

Etymology

The name Chatsarmaveth is a compound word derived from two Hebrew roots: חָצֵר (chatser, H2691), meaning 'village,' 'settlement,' or 'court,' and מָוֶת (maveth, H4194), meaning 'death.' Thus, it literally translates to 'village of death' or 'court of death.' This likely reflects a geographical name given to a specific location, possibly describing a harsh, arid, or otherwise perilous environment in ancient Arabia.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is primarily a geographical marker, its inclusion in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all peoples and nations. It reminds readers that God's plan encompasses even remote or seemingly obscure regions. The etymology ('village of death') may also symbolically hint at the fallen, mortal condition of humanity spread across the earth after Babel, though this is interpretive. In its original setting, 'Chatsarmaveth' likely referred to a real tribal group or region in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen/Oman area). The name 'village of death' probably described a place with extreme desert conditions, scarce water, or other dangers, making survival difficult. Such descriptive place names were common in the ancient Near East to characterize a location's notable features. It differs from modern place names, which are often politically designated rather than descriptively coined. Sheba (Sheva, H7614) — Another son of Joktan and nearby Arabian region/tribe. Ophir (Owphiyr, H211) — Also a son of Joktan, famed for its gold, denoting a different Arabian locale.

Word Details