from חַמָּה and אֵל; anger of God; Chammuel, an Israelite; Hamuel.
Transliteration:Chammûwʼêl
Pronunciation:kham-moo-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H2536}}` *Chammûwʼêl* is a compound name, derived from two distinct elements: `{{H2534}}` *chammâh* and `{{H410}}` *ʼÊl*. The first component, `{{H2534}}` *chammâh*, typically refers to "heat" or "sun," but in certain contexts, it signifies "fury" or "wrath." The second component, `{{H410}}` *ʼÊl*, is a common designation for "God." Therefore, the name *Chammûwʼêl* literally translates to "Anger of God" or "Wrath of God." As a personal name, its semantic range is confined to its function as an identifier for an individual. However, the etymological components carry significant theological weight, reflecting an attribute of the Divine. The name is a statement, likely by the parents, about God's character or a specific experience of divine judgment or righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2536}}` *Chammûwʼêl* appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogies of the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:26]] "The sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zaccur his son, Shimei his son."
In this sole occurrence, Chammûwʼêl is identified as a descendant of Simeon, through Mishma. The context is purely genealogical, listing the lineage of the tribes of Israel. There is no narrative or descriptive information provided about Chammûwʼêl himself, nor is there any explanation for the choice of this particular name. His mention serves to bridge a generational gap within the tribal records, indicating his place within the larger family structure of Simeon. The significance of the name "Anger of God" is not elaborated upon in relation to his life or character, leaving its deeper meaning to be inferred from the etymology and the broader biblical understanding of God's attributes.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of `{{H2536}}` *Chammûwʼêl* provide crucial links to related words and concepts:
* **`{{H2534}}` *chammâh***: This root word is central to the "anger" aspect of the name. While often referring to the sun's heat (e.g., [[Psalm 19:6]]), its use to denote "wrath" or "fury" of God or man (e.g., [[Isaiah 51:13]], [[Psalm 78:38]]) is significant. It describes an intense, burning emotion.
* **`{{H410}}` *ʼÊl***: This is a fundamental Hebrew term for God, often appearing as a component in theo-phoric names. Examples include *Samuel* (Shmu'el, "Name of God" or "Heard by God"), *Israel* (Yisra'el, "Strives with God"), and *Daniel* (Dani'el, "God is my Judge"). The inclusion of `{{H410}}` signifies a direct theological statement about God.
* **Divine Wrath/Anger**: The concept of God's anger is a pervasive theme throughout the Old Testament (e.g., `{{H639}}` *aph*, `{{H2534}}` *chammah*, `{{H2734}}` *charon*). It is consistently portrayed as a righteous and holy indignation against sin and disobedience, not a capricious human emotion. Passages like [[Exodus 32:10]] and [[Numbers 11:1]] illustrate God's swift and just anger. However, this anger is always balanced by His mercy and compassion (e.g., [[Psalm 103:8]]).
* **Theo-phoric Names**: The practice of incorporating divine names or attributes into personal names was common in ancient Israel. These names often served as confessions of faith, prayers, or reflections on divine actions or character experienced by the parents at the child's birth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name `{{H2536}}` *Chammûwʼêl* lies primarily in its potent declaration: "Anger of God." While the individual Chammuel is otherwise unknown, the name itself offers a profound insight into the theological landscape of ancient Israel.
1. **Attribute of God**: The name serves as a stark reminder of God's attribute of righteous anger. In an age where divine wrath is often downplayed, *Chammûwʼêl* stands as a testament to the biblical portrayal of God as both loving and just, merciful yet holy. His anger is not a flaw but a necessary response to unrighteousness, a manifestation of His perfect holiness that cannot tolerate sin.
2. **Parental Confession/Reflection**: The choice of such a name by parents suggests a deep theological reflection. It might have been given during a period of national or personal judgment, serving as a memorial to God's disciplinary actions. Alternatively, it could express a profound reverence for God's power and justice, acknowledging that even His anger is part of His divine perfection and serves His redemptive purposes.
3. **Balance of Attributes**: The existence of a name like *Chammûwʼêl* within the biblical record implicitly highlights the comprehensive nature of God's character. While names like *Gabriel* ("God is my strength") or *Michael* ("Who is like God?") emphasize other divine qualities, *Chammûwʼêl* ensures that the attribute of divine wrath is not overlooked. It underscores the tension between God's wrath and His steadfast love, a tension resolved ultimately in the person and work of Christ, who bore the full wrath of God for sin.
### Summary
`{{H2536}}` *Chammûwʼêl* is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Anger of God," derived from `{{H2534}}` *chammâh* ("wrath, heat") and `{{H410}}` *ʼÊl* ("God"). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 4:26]], identifying a descendant of Simeon. Despite the lack of narrative detail about the individual, the name itself carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's attribute of righteous anger, a holy and just response to sin, and reflects the ancient Israelite practice of bestowing theo-phoric names that declare aspects of God's character. The name *Chammûwʼêl* stands as a unique testament to the comprehensive understanding of God's attributes, including His formidable justice, within the biblical worldview.
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