חֹמֶר

חֹמֶר

properly, a bubbling up, i.e. of water, a wave; of earth, mire or clay (cement); also a heap; hence

Definition

The Hebrew word חֹמֶר (chômer) primarily denotes a 'heap' or 'mass' of material, with its specific meaning determined by context. In its most literal sense, it refers to clay or mortar, as seen when the builders of Babel used 'chômer for mortar' (Genesis 11:3) and when the Israelites were forced to make bricks with it (Exodus 1:14). It also describes the mire or mud of the Nile (Exodus 8:14) and poetically, the clay-like substance of the human body (Job 10:9). In a distinct usage, it serves as a dry measure, the 'homer,' used for quantifying grain (Leviticus 27:16, Numbers 11:32).

Biblical Usage

חֹמֶר is used in narrative, legal, and poetic contexts across the Pentateuch, historical books, and wisdom literature. Its meaning as 'clay/mortar/mire' appears in foundational stories (Genesis 11:3, Exodus 1:14, Exodus 8:14) and in Job's poetic reflections on human frailty (Job 4:19, 10:9, 13:12). Its meaning as a standard dry measure, the 'homer,' is found in legal texts concerning offerings and valuations (Leviticus 27:16) and in the narrative of the quail (Numbers 11:32).

Etymology

Derived from the root חָמַר (H2560, chāmar), meaning 'to boil up, ferment, be red.' This root conveys a sense of bubbling or heaving, which conceptually connects to the word's meanings: a bubbling mass of water or mud, a heaped-up pile of earth or clay, and by extension, a large heap (measure) of grain.

Semantic Range

חֹמֶר carries theological weight, especially in its 'clay' sense, which becomes a powerful metaphor for human nature. It vividly illustrates humanity's created, physical frailty and mortality, as Job laments being formed from clay (Job 10:9). This imagery establishes a contrast between the mutable human 'vessel' and the divine Potter, a theme later expanded by prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 64:8) and Paul (Romans 9:21). Understanding this Hebrew term deepens the biblical metaphor of God as the sovereign shaper of human destiny. As 'clay' or 'mortar,' chômer represents a fundamental, everyday building material in the ancient Near East. As a 'homer,' it was a substantial unit of dry measure, estimated at roughly 220 liters (6.5 bushels), used for agricultural commodities. This reflects an agrarian economy where such standardized measures were crucial for trade, taxation, and religious offerings. טִיט (ṭîṭ, H2916) — mire, mud; often wet, slimy mud, as in a pit. עָפָר (‘āp̄ār, H6083) — dust, dry earth; emphasizes dry, loose soil rather than a moist, malleable clay.

Word Details