from חָמַם; warm spring; Chammon, the name of two places in Palestine; Hammon.
Transliteration:Chammôwn
Pronunciation:kham-mone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H2540 (חַמּוֹן, *Chammôwn*) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology traces back to the root `{{H2552}}` (חָמַם, *chamam*), which means "to be hot," "to be warm," or "to glow." Thus, the base definition of *Chammôwn* signifies a "warm spring" or a "hot spring." This etymological root suggests a location characterized by naturally heated water sources, which were significant for ancient settlements due to their consistent water supply and potential therapeutic properties. As a proper noun, it identifies a specific geographical location, rather than an abstract concept or common object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2540 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 19:28]]: "And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;"
In this verse, Hammon is listed as one of the cities belonging to the tribe of Asher as part of their allotted inheritance in the land of Canaan. The context is the detailed description of the tribal boundaries and the towns within them, following the conquest of the land under Joshua. The inclusion of Hammon in this list underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, reflecting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The precise location of this Hammon is generally believed to be in the northern part of Asher's territory, near the Phoenician coast, though its exact identification remains a subject of scholarly discussion. The mention of "great Zidon" in the same verse places it geographically in relation to a major regional power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H2540 is its root, `{{H2552}}` (חָמַם, *chamam*). This root carries a semantic range related to heat, warmth, and even fervor or anger in its various conjugations. For instance, chamam can describe the warming of the body (e.g., [[2 Samuel 23:20]]), the heat of the sun, or the warmth associated with life and vitality. While *Chammôwn* is a place name, its derivation from this root highlights the physical characteristic of the location—a warm spring.
Conceptually, *Chammôwn* relates to the broader biblical understanding of water sources and their significance. Springs, wells, and rivers were vital for survival in the arid ancient Near East, serving as centers for settlement, agriculture, and trade. Their presence often determined the viability of a community. A "warm spring" would have been a particularly notable and valuable resource, perhaps even revered for its unique properties. Other biblical terms for water sources include `{{H5869}}` ('ayin - eye/spring), `{{H875}}` (be'er - well), and `{{H5104}}` (nahar - river).
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, H2540 (Hammon) does not carry direct theological doctrine. However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly within the detailed account of Israel's inheritance in Joshua, contributes to several theological themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Fulfillment of Promise:** The precise listing of towns like Hammon demonstrates God's meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. Every city, every boundary marker, underscores the reality of God's faithfulness in providing for His people.
2. **God's Provision of Resources:** The very name "warm spring" points to a natural resource vital for life. In a broader sense, it quietly testifies to God as the ultimate provider of all necessities, including life-sustaining water, even in unique forms like warm springs. These natural features were integral to the flourishing of the communities God established.
3. **The Tangibility of God's Kingdom:** The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua ground the spiritual reality of God's covenant with Israel in concrete, physical terms. The land, with its specific features like Hammon, was the tangible manifestation of God's kingdom on earth for His chosen people.
### Summary
H2540 (חַמּוֹן, *Chammôwn*) is a Hebrew proper noun, a place name meaning "warm spring," derived from the root `{{H2552}}` meaning "to be hot." It appears once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 19:28]], identifying a city within the tribal inheritance of Asher. While not bearing direct theological weight, its presence in the meticulous record of Israel's land distribution underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and His detailed provision of essential resources like water for His people. The name itself highlights a unique natural feature that would have been vital for ancient settlement.
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