of uncertain derivation; Ham, a region of Palestine; Ham.
Transliteration:Hâm
Pronunciation:hawm
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הָם (Hâm), Strong's number `{{H1990}}`, refers to a specific geographical location, identified as a "region of Palestine" in its base definition. Its derivation is noted as "uncertain," meaning its etymological roots do not readily yield a semantic meaning beyond its proper noun designation. Unlike common nouns or verbs that possess a range of meanings and applications, הָם (Hâm) functions solely as a toponym, designating a particular place in the ancient Near East. Its meaning is exhausted by its identity as a distinct locale within the biblical narrative, without further metaphorical or conceptual extension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term הָם (Hâm) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the historical narrative of Genesis:
* [[Genesis 14:5]]: "And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim."
In this solitary occurrence, Ham is listed as one of the territories conquered by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies during their campaign against rebellious vassal kings. Specifically, it is identified as the dwelling place of the Zuzims (also known as Zamzummims, a formidable race of giants akin to the Rephaim, see [[Deuteronomy 2:20]]). This places Ham geographically in the Transjordan region, likely east of the Jordan River, possibly within the territory later associated with Ammon. The context is a military and political one, detailing the scope of Chedorlaomer's power and the extent of his conquests, which ultimately led to the capture of Lot and Abraham's subsequent rescue mission. The mention of Ham serves to provide specific geographical detail, grounding the historical account in identifiable locations inhabited by known pre-Israelite peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that הָם (Hâm) `{{H1990}}` is a proper noun referring to a specific place, its direct lexical relations are limited. However, it is contextually related to:
* **Zuzims/Zamzummims** (`{{H2157}}`): The people dwelling in Ham who were smitten by Chedorlaomer. These were a race of giants, similar to the Rephaim, who originally inhabited the land of Ammon.
* **Chedorlaomer** (`{{H3536}}`): The Elamite king whose military campaign includes the conquest of Ham, setting the stage for the narrative involving Abraham.
* **Rephaim** (`{{H7497}}`): The broader category of ancient giant peoples, of whom the Zuzims were a part, whose territories were often associated with the Transjordan.
* **Geographical Locations:** Other places mentioned in the same verse, such as Ashteroth Karnaim and Shaveh Kiriathaim, which together map out the campaign's route through the Transjordan.
It is crucial to distinguish this geographical location הָם (Hâm) `{{H1990}}` from the personal name הָם (Ham) `{{H2526}}`, the son of Noah, as they are distinct entities with different Strong's numbers and contexts. The definition of `{{H1990}}` clearly specifies "a region of Palestine," not the patriarch.
### Theological Significance
While הָם (Hâm) `{{H1990}}` is a mere geographical marker, its inclusion in the biblical text carries implicit theological significance:
* **Historical Veracity:** The detailed geographical and ethnographic descriptions in [[Genesis 14]] (including the mention of Ham) underscore the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. God's covenant with Abraham and His providential actions unfold in a real world, among real peoples and places.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The campaign of Chedorlaomer, though seemingly a secular military event, is ultimately part of God's overarching plan. The defeat of powerful kings and their inhabitants, including those in Ham, demonstrates the Lord's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and their territories, even those not directly in covenant with Him at that moment. This prepares the way for Abraham's intervention and God's protection of His chosen servant.
* **Land Promise Context:** The mention of various pre-Israelite inhabitants and their lands, including Ham, serves as a backdrop to the land promise given to Abraham. It highlights the existing geopolitical landscape that God would eventually give to Abraham's descendants, emphasizing the scale and nature of the divine gift.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הָם (Hâm), Strong's number `{{H1990}}`, designates a specific geographical region in the Transjordan, identified as the dwelling place of the Zuzims. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Genesis 14:5]], within the account of Chedorlaomer's military campaign. As a proper noun, its meaning is confined to its identity as a physical location. While not a word with direct theological content, its presence contributes to the historical veracity of the Genesis narrative, underscoring God's sovereignty over the nations and providing geographical context for the unfolding of His covenant plan with Abraham. It is distinct from the personal name Ham, son of Noah.
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