חֶרְמֵשׁ

חֶרְמֵשׁ

a sickle (as cutting)

Definition

The Hebrew word חֶרְמֵשׁ (chermêsh) refers specifically to a sickle, a handheld agricultural tool with a curved blade used for harvesting grain by cutting stalks. In its two biblical occurrences, it is used in legal contexts concerning agriculture. In Deuteronomy 16:9, it marks the start of the wheat harvest, counting seven weeks 'from the time you first put the sickle to the standing grain.' In Deuteronomy 23:25, the law permits a person passing through a neighbor's grain field to pluck heads by hand but forbids using a sickle on the standing grain, highlighting a distinction between casual sustenance and harvesting.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the book of Deuteronomy. Its usage is exclusively in the context of Mosaic law governing agricultural practices and the timing of religious festivals. It appears in instructions for the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9) and in laws about gleaning and property rights (Deuteronomy 23:25).

Etymology

The noun חֶרְמֵשׁ (chermêsh) is derived from the root חָרַם (ḥāram, H2763), which carries the core meaning 'to cut off' or 'to devote to destruction.' This connection emphasizes the sickle's primary function as a cutting instrument. The development from a verb meaning 'to cut off' to a noun for a harvesting tool is straightforward, seen in other Semitic languages with similar words for sickle or scythe.

Semantic Range

While a simple agricultural tool, the sickle in these contexts is tied to important theological concepts of God's provision, the rhythm of holy time, and social justice. Its mention in Deuteronomy 16:9 connects the physical harvest directly to the liturgical calendar, showing how daily work was sanctified. The prohibition in Deuteronomy 23:25 underscores principles of generosity, the protection of private property from exploitation, and God's care for both the landowner and the traveler, enriching our reading of these laws. In ancient Israel, the sickle was a vital tool for subsistence farming. The distinction made in Deuteronomy 23:25 between plucking by hand and using a sickle reflects an understanding of scale and intent: hand-plucking was for immediate, personal need, while swinging a sickle represented the act of harvesting—taking a large quantity that belonged to the owner. This cultural nuance is key to understanding the law's fairness. מַגָּל (maggal, H4038) — Another word for 'sickle' or 'scythe,' used more frequently (e.g., Joel 3:13) and sometimes with a more metaphorical or prophetic edge.

Word Details