feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection; wall, walled.
Transliteration:chôwmâh
Pronunciation:kho-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2346}}` (חוֹמָה, *chôwmâh*) is a feminine noun derived from an unused root that seemingly conveys the idea of "to join" or "to connect." This etymological root aptly describes a structure built by joining together stones, bricks, or other materials. Fundamentally, `{{H2346}}` denotes a "wall," specifically one constructed for defense and protection. Its semantic range primarily encompasses:
1. **Physical Barrier:** A literal wall, often surrounding a city, house, or enclosure.
2. **Defensive Structure:** Emphasizing its primary function as a bulwark against external threats, providing security and safeguarding inhabitants.
3. **Symbol of Strength/Security:** Metaphorically, a high or strong wall represents power, stability, and impregnability. Conversely, a broken or fallen wall signifies vulnerability, defeat, or desolation.
4. **Enclosure/Boundary:** Defining limits, separating spaces, or marking ownership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2346}}` appears extensively throughout the Old Testament, frequently in historical narratives, prophetic pronouncements, and wisdom literature. Its usage consistently highlights its role as a vital element of ancient urban life and a potent symbol.
* **City Fortifications:** The most common application refers to the defensive walls of cities, essential for their survival in times of conflict. Notable examples include the formidable walls of Jericho, whose miraculous collapse is recorded in [[Joshua 6:5]] and [[Joshua 6:20]], signifying divine intervention. The walls of Jerusalem are frequently mentioned, particularly in the books of Nehemiah, where their rebuilding under Nehemiah's leadership (e.g., [[Nehemiah 2:17]], [[Nehemiah 6:15]]) symbolizes the restoration and security of the returning exiles.
* **Divine Protection:** In prophetic literature, `{{H2346}}` is sometimes used metaphorically to describe God's protective presence. For instance, in [[Zechariah 2:5]], the Lord declares, "For I, declares the Lord, will be to her a wall of fire all around, and I will be the glory in her midst." Here, the divine presence transcends any physical barrier, offering ultimate security.
* **Vulnerability and Judgment:** The destruction or breaching of city walls often signifies divine judgment or the consequences of disobedience. The lament over Jerusalem's broken walls in [[Lamentations 2:8]] vividly portrays the city's devastation and the people's despair.
* **Security and Prosperity:** Conversely, the presence of strong walls can symbolize a state of peace and divine blessing, as seen in [[Isaiah 26:1]], "We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks."
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of a wall often intersects with other related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H4605}}` (ma'oz):** Meaning "stronghold," "fortress," or "refuge." While `{{H2346}}` refers to the physical structure, `{{H4605}}` often emphasizes the impregnability and safety provided by such a structure, sometimes used metaphorically for God as a refuge.
* **`{{H1219}}` (batsar):** A verb meaning "to fortify," "make inaccessible," or "cut off." This describes the act of building or strengthening walls.
* **`{{H6438}}` (pinnah):** "Corner" or "cornerstone." Often refers to the crucial foundational stone of a wall or building, symbolizing leadership or essential elements.
* **Security and Defense:** The primary conceptual link. Walls are built for defense against enemies, representing the human desire for safety and protection.
* **Separation and Enclosure:** Walls define boundaries, separating sacred from profane, inside from outside, or one property from another.
* **Restoration and Rebuilding:** The act of rebuilding walls, particularly after destruction, symbolizes a return to order, divine favor, and communal strength, as powerfully demonstrated in the book of Nehemiah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2346}}` extends beyond its literal meaning, offering profound insights into the nature of God, human reliance, and the dynamics of covenant.
* **God as the Ultimate Protector:** While human-made walls offer a measure of security, the biblical narrative consistently points to God as the ultimate and infallible "wall" or protector of His people. The fragility of physical walls (e.g., Jericho) underscores that true security is not found in human fortifications but in divine sovereignty and faithfulness ([[Psalm 127:1]]). The "wall of fire" in [[Zechariah 2:5]] vividly portrays God's all-encompassing, active protection.
* **Human Effort and Divine Blessing:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah exemplifies a crucial theological principle: human diligence and obedience are often the means through which God's purposes are accomplished. The physical act of reconstruction becomes a spiritual act of faith and communal restoration, signifying God's blessing upon a repentant and striving people.
* **Symbol of Separation and Holiness:** Walls can also delineate sacred space, such as the walls of the temple courts, which separated the holy from the common. This reflects God's demand for holiness and the need for distinction between His presence and the profane world.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The breaching or collapse of walls serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. When God withdraws His protection, even the strongest walls become vulnerable.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2346}}` (*chôwmâh*) primarily denotes a "wall," particularly a protective and defensive structure. Its core meaning emphasizes its function as a physical barrier providing security and defining boundaries. Biblically, `{{H2346}}` is most frequently encountered in descriptions of city fortifications, highlighting their vital role in ancient urban life and their symbolic representation of strength or vulnerability. Theologically, `{{H2346}}` carries profound significance, underscoring God's role as the ultimate protector of His people, illustrating the interplay between human effort and divine blessing in restoration, and serving as a symbol of both separation and judgment. Ultimately, `{{H2346}}` points to the truth that while human defenses are fallible, true and lasting security is found in the sovereign protection of the Almighty.
TRV