from חָמֵץ; properly, violent; by implication, a robber; oppressed.
Transliteration:châmôwts
Pronunciation:khaw-motse'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) is a rare term in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once. It functions as a passive participle derived from the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`). The root חָמֵץ possesses a fascinating semantic range, primarily denoting "to be sour" or "to be leavened" (as in leavened bread, e.g., [[Exodus 12:39]], [[Leviticus 2:11]]). However, it also carries a distinct secondary meaning of "to be violent," "to rage," or "to oppress" (e.g., [[Psalm 71:4]] where it describes a "cruel" or "oppressive" man).
Given this dual nature of its root, חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) itself can theoretically carry both an active and passive sense. In an active sense, it could refer to "one who is violent" or "a robber," reflecting the oppressive aspect of the root. In a passive sense, it would mean "one who is oppressed" or "the victim of violence." The precise meaning in its sole biblical occurrence is heavily dependent on contextual analysis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The solitary appearance of חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) is found in [[Isaiah 1:17]]. The verse reads: "learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (ESV). The phrase in question is אֲשְּׁרוּ חָמוֹץ (ashshĕru châmôwts).
The verb אֲשְּׁרוּ (ashshĕru) comes from אָשַׁר (āshar, `{{H833}}`), meaning "to make straight," "to set right," or "to restore." When combined with חָמוֹץ, the phrase can be understood as "make straight/right the oppressed one" or "restore the oppressed." This interpretation aligns powerfully with the surrounding injunctions in the verse: "bring justice to the fatherless" and "plead the widow's cause." The "fatherless" and "widow" are archetypal figures representing the most vulnerable and often exploited members of ancient Israelite society. Placing חָמוֹץ in parallel with these terms strongly suggests it refers to "the oppressed" or "the wronged," those who are victims of injustice.
Therefore, while the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`) can denote active violence, the specific context of [[Isaiah 1:17]] decisively points to חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) referring to the victim of oppression, the one who needs to be set right or relieved from their plight. This interpretation underscores the prophetic call for social justice and compassion for the marginalized.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative is the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`), from which חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) is derived. Understanding the root's dual semantic range (leavening and violence/oppression) is crucial for grasping the full potential, even if context narrows it for חָמוֹץ.
Another closely related term is the noun חָמָס (chāmās, `{{H2555}}`), which unequivocally means "violence," "wrong," or "injustice" (e.g., [[Genesis 6:11]], [[Psalm 58:2]]). The semantic connection between חָמֵץ in its violent sense and חָמָס is evident, both pointing to acts of aggression and wrongdoing.
The concept of "oppression" is central to the prophetic literature, and several other Hebrew words convey this idea, such as עָשַׁק (ʿāshaq, `{{H6231}}`), "to oppress," and its related noun עֹשֶׁק (ʿōsheq, `{{H6233}}`), "oppression." The call to "seek justice" (דִּרְשׁוּ מִשְׁפָּט, dirshu mishpat) and "plead the widow's cause" (רִיבוּ אַלְמָנָה, rivu almanah) in [[Isaiah 1:17]] also links חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) to the broader biblical themes of מִשְׁפָּט (mishpāṭ, `{{H4941}}`, "justice" or "judgment") and צֶדֶק (tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`, "righteousness"). The Bible consistently portrays God as the defender of the weak and the opponent of those who perpetuate חָמָס (chāmās, `{{H2555}}`) against the חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`).
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) in [[Isaiah 1:17]] carries profound theological weight. It is embedded within a passage that serves as a foundational declaration of God's expectations for His people, emphasizing ethical conduct over mere ritual. The command to "correct oppression" or "set right the oppressed" highlights God's deep concern for justice and the well-being of the vulnerable.
This verse reveals a core aspect of divine character: God is not indifferent to suffering or injustice. He identifies with the oppressed (חָמוֹץ), the fatherless, and the widow, and calls His covenant people to actively champion their cause. To "correct oppression" is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental requirement of true worship and obedience to Yahweh. When the people of God fail to uphold justice for the חָמוֹץ, their religious observances become meaningless, as articulated throughout Isaiah and other prophetic books.
The prophetic indictment against Israel often centered on their failure to care for the marginalized, indicating that social injustice is a direct affront to God's righteousness. The word חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`), though rare, serves as a potent reminder that authentic faith is inextricably linked to compassionate action and the pursuit of justice for all who suffer under the weight of human sin and systemic wrong.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָמוֹץ (châmôwts, `{{H2541}}`) is a rare term, appearing uniquely in [[Isaiah 1:17]]. Derived from the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`), which carries meanings of "leavening" and "violence/oppression," חָמוֹץ in its sole biblical context refers to "the oppressed" or "the wronged." The prophetic injunction to "correct oppression" (אֲשְּׁרוּ חָמוֹץ) places it alongside the fatherless and the widow as archetypes of the vulnerable whom God commands His people to defend and restore. This word, though seldom used, powerfully encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His call for humanity to actively champion the cause of the marginalized, demonstrating that true piety is expressed through compassionate action and the eradication of injustice.
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