feminine of חֶמֶד; delight; desire, goodly, pleasant, precious.
Transliteration:chemdâh
Pronunciation:khem-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֶמְדָּה (transliterated as *chemdâh*, Strong's `{{H2532}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root חָמַד (*chamad*, `{{H2534}}`), meaning "to desire, covet, delight in." As a noun, *chemdâh* fundamentally conveys the sense of "delight," "desire," or "pleasantness." Its semantic range extends to describe something that is "goodly," "precious," or an "object of desire." It can denote an intrinsic quality of pleasantness or beauty, as well as the tangible object that possesses such a quality and is therefore highly valued or desired. While the verbal root *chamad* can carry the negative connotation of "coveting" (e.g., [[Exodus 20:17]]), *chemdâh* itself typically maintains a positive or neutral sense of desirability, focusing on the intrinsic value or appeal of the object or quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Chemdâh* appears in various contexts across the Hebrew Bible, illuminating its nuanced meanings:
* **As "desire" or "longing" (abstract):**
* In [[2 Chronicles 21:20]], it describes Jehoram's death as being "without desire," meaning he died unlamented or unvalued, indicating a lack of public esteem or affection for him.
* [[Isaiah 53:2]] states concerning the Suffering Servant, "He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him." Here, *chemdâh* refers to an appealing quality that would draw human admiration or longing.
* **As "pleasant" or "desirable" (quality of a place):**
* [[Jeremiah 3:19]] speaks of "a pleasant land, a most beautiful heritage of all nations." The "pleasant land" (אֶרֶץ חֶמְדָּה, *'erets chemdâh*) signifies a land that is highly desirable and beautiful, a reflection of God's gracious provision to Israel.
* In [[Psalm 68:16]], it is used of God's dwelling, "The mount which God desires for his dwelling." This poetic expression highlights Zion as God's chosen and delightful abode.
* **As "precious things" or "desirable treasures" (concrete objects):**
* [[Proverbs 21:20]] mentions "precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling," where *chemdâh* refers to valuable, desirable possessions.
* [[Nahum 2:9]] similarly speaks of "precious vessels" or "desirable things" as spoil taken in battle, emphasizing their high material value.
* In the book of Daniel, *chemdâh* appears several times in relation to valuable items or objects of worship. [[Daniel 11:37]] refers to "the desire of women," which has been variously interpreted as the worship of Tammuz, a general disregard for marriage, or even a specific pagan deity. [[Daniel 11:38]] speaks of the "god of fortresses" and "desirable things," likely referring to precious metals or idols.
* **Messianic Significance:**
* Perhaps the most theologically profound use is in [[Haggai 2:7]]: "And I will shake all nations, so that the desirable things of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts." This verse is widely understood as a messianic prophecy. "The desirable things of all nations" (חֶמְדַּת כָּל־הַגּוֹיִם, *chemdath kol-haggoyim*) is often interpreted as referring to the Messiah Himself, who is the ultimate "desire" or "longing" of humanity, bringing true glory to God's house, or to the spiritual treasures and converts that will flow into the rebuilt temple in the eschatological age.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Chemdâh* is intimately connected to its root, the verb חָמַד (*chamad*, `{{H2534}}`), meaning "to desire, covet, delight in," and the masculine noun חֶמֶד (*chemed*, `{{H2530}}`), which also denotes "desire, delight, precious thing." These words share a common semantic field centered on value, attractiveness, and longing.
Other related concepts include:
* **Beauty and Goodness:** Words like טוֹב (*tov*, `{{H2896}}`, "good, pleasant") or יָפֶה (*yafeh*, `{{H3303}}`, "beautiful") often share a semantic overlap with *chemdâh* when describing desirable qualities.
* **Longing and Yearning:** Terms expressing deep desire or yearning, such as תַּאֲוָה (*ta'avah*, `{{H8378}}`, "desire, longing"), can be conceptually linked, though *chemdâh* often emphasizes the object or quality of desire rather than the act of desiring itself.
* **Value and Treasure:** Words for wealth, precious metals, or valuable possessions are often contextually related to *chemdâh* when it refers to "precious things" (e.g., אוֹצָר, *'otsar*, `{{H214}}`, "treasure").
* **Divine Choice and Affection:** When applied to God's desire for Zion, it connects to concepts of divine election and covenantal love.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chemdâh* is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Delight and Choice:** When God expresses *chemdâh* for Zion ([[Psalm 68:16]]), it reveals His sovereign choice and profound delight in His dwelling place among His people. This highlights God's active involvement and affectionate regard for His covenant community.
2. **Human Value and Longing:** The word describes what humans value and desire, whether legitimate material wealth ([[Proverbs 21:20]]) or the qualities of a leader ([[Isaiah 53:2]]). It underscores the human capacity for longing and the objects that capture human attention and affection. This can serve as a reminder that not all desires are righteous, though *chemdâh* itself typically describes the *object* as desirable rather than the *act* of desiring as sinful.
3. **Messianic Hope:** The most profound theological implication lies in [[Haggai 2:7]], where "the desire of all nations" is prophesied to come. This passage points to the ultimate fulfillment of humanity's deepest longings in the coming Messiah. It suggests that the Messiah, through His person and work, embodies the true glory and satisfies the universal spiritual hunger that even the nations unknowingly possess. This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the "desire" of all who seek salvation and true glory.
4. **Glory and Presence:** The connection between *chemdâh* and God's glory in Haggai indicates that what is truly desirable and precious is inherently linked to the divine presence and the manifestation of God's power and honor.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֶמְדָּה (*chemdâh*, `{{H2532}}`) encapsulates the concepts of "delight," "desire," and "preciousness." It describes both the inherent quality of pleasantness and the valuable objects that elicit desire. Its usage ranges from indicating a lack of esteem for a deceased king to describing a beautiful land, valuable treasures, and God's own delight in Zion. Most significantly, *chemdâh* carries profound messianic weight in [[Haggai 2:7]], where "the desire of all nations" is prophesied to come, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of human longing in the person of the Messiah. Thus, *chemdâh* enriches our understanding of what is truly valued, both in human experience and in the divine economy, culminating in the anticipation of God's glorious presence and the coming Redeemer.
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