or (shortened) חֵמָה; from the same root as חוֹמָה; curdled milk or cheese; butter.
Transliteration:chemʼâh
Pronunciation:khem-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *chem'âh* (`{{H2529}}`), often transliterated as *chemʼâh*, primarily denotes "curdled milk," "butter," or "cheese." Its etymological root is shared with *chômâh* (`{{H2346}}`), meaning "wall," suggesting a semantic connection to the concept of "thickness," "solidity," or "coagulation." This aligns perfectly with the nature of butter or cheese as milk that has undergone a process of thickening or solidification. Thus, *chem'âh* represents a dairy product that is rich, substantial, and highly nourishing, distinguished from fluid milk by its denser consistency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Chem'âh* appears in several key biblical passages, consistently highlighting its value as a staple and often luxurious food item:
* In [[Deuteronomy 32:14]], as part of the Song of Moses describing God's abundant provision for Israel, it is listed among the rich produce of the land: "Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs..." This verse emphasizes the richness and bounty of the land given by God.
* [[2 Samuel 17:29]] records *chem'âh* being brought to David and his weary troops, alongside honey, sheep, and cheese. This context underscores its role as a vital and fortifying food for those in need, particularly during a time of exhaustion and hunger in the wilderness.
* [[Job 20:17]] uses *chem'âh* metaphorically in Zophar's description of the wicked man's ultimate downfall: "He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter." Here, "honey and butter" symbolize prosperity, luxury, and the good life, which the wicked will ultimately forfeit.
* The prophetic book of Isaiah features *chem'âh* in significant passages concerning Immanuel. In [[Isaiah 7:15]], it is stated, "Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." This suggests a diet of simple yet abundant nourishment, possibly indicating a return to a pastoral existence or a period of growth and discernment.
* Following this, [[Isaiah 7:22]] reiterates, "And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give he shall eat butter: for butter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the land." This portrays a scene of widespread abundance of dairy products and honey, perhaps after a period of devastation, signifying God's continued provision even in altered circumstances.
* Finally, [[Proverbs 30:33]] uses the process of making *chem'âh* as an analogy: "Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife." This proverb illustrates the natural, inevitable consequences of certain actions, highlighting the direct link between effort (churning) and its product (butter).
### Related Words & Concepts
*Chem'âh* is frequently associated with other terms that collectively paint a picture of agricultural richness and divine blessing:
* **Milk (חָלָב, `{{H2461}}`):** As the raw material for *chem'âh*, milk is a foundational symbol of nourishment, purity, and the "land flowing with milk and honey."
* **Honey (דְּבַשׁ, `{{H1706}}`):** Often paired with *chem'âh* (e.g., [[Isaiah 7:15]], [[Isaiah 7:22]]), honey symbolizes sweetness, abundance, and the bounty of the land, frequently representing divine provision.
* **Fat/Richness (חֵלֶב, `{{H2459}}`):** *Chem'âh* inherently possesses a high fat content, aligning it with concepts of richness, prosperity, and the best of the land's produce.
* **Land of Milk and Honey:** This recurring motif (e.g., [[Exodus 3:8]]) encapsulates the ultimate vision of a fertile, prosperous land, where even basic sustenance is exceptionally rich and plentiful. *Chem'âh* is a tangible manifestation of this promised abundance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chem'âh* is multifaceted:
* **Divine Provision and Abundance:** The consistent appearance of *chem'âh* in contexts of sustenance and prosperity underscores God's generous and unfailing provision for His people. It symbolizes a land blessed with extraordinary fertility, where basic needs are not merely met but are exceeded with rich, nourishing foods. This speaks to God's desire for His people to thrive, not just survive.
* **Symbol of Blessing and Prosperity:** In passages like [[Deuteronomy 32:14]] and [[Job 20:17]], *chem'âh* serves as an emblem of the good life, a tangible sign of God's favor and the fruit of diligence. Its absence for the wicked in Job highlights the loss of such blessings due to unrighteousness.
* **Nourishment for Growth and Discernment:** The profound statement in [[Isaiah 7:15]] linking the consumption of "butter and honey" to Immanuel's ability "to refuse the evil, and choose the good" suggests a connection between physical sustenance and spiritual or moral maturation. It implies that a state of abundant provision can enable one to focus on and develop discernment.
* **Illustrating Natural Consequences:** The proverb in [[Proverbs 30:33]] uses the physical process of producing *chem'âh* to illustrate a profound theological truth about the order of creation and the moral universe. Just as churning milk inevitably yields butter, so certain human actions, particularly stirring up wrath, inevitably lead to predictable, often negative, outcomes like strife. This highlights the principle of cause and effect within God's established order.
### Summary
*Chem'âh* (`{{H2529}}`) denotes curdled milk, butter, or cheese, a rich dairy product whose name hints at its thick, solidified nature. Throughout the biblical narrative, it consistently functions as a potent symbol of divine provision, abundance, and prosperity. Often paired with honey, it paints a vivid picture of a fertile land flowing with blessings, indicative of God's generous care for His people. From sustaining weary travelers to signifying the rich produce of a promised land, *chem'âh* speaks to the fullness of life under God's favor. Furthermore, its use in a proverb demonstrates its role in illustrating the inherent order and predictable consequences within God's creation, connecting the physical world to moral truths. Ultimately, *chem'âh* encapsulates the concept of a life not just sustained, but richly blessed by the Creator.
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