feminine of חֹמֶט; low; Chumtah, a place in Palestine; Humtah.
Transliteration:Chumṭâh
Pronunciation:khoom-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
* **Lemma:** חֻמְטָה (Chumṭâh)
* **Strong's Number:** `{{H2547}}`
* **Root:** The term חֻמְטָה (Chumṭâh) is a feminine form derived from the root חֹמֶט (chomet), identified by Strong's as `{{H2546}}`. This related term is often translated as "lizard" or "mole," creatures characterized by their low-to-the-ground or creeping movement.
* **Primary Meaning:** As a proper noun, Chumṭâh refers exclusively to a specific geographical location in ancient Israel.
* **Semantic Range:** Its semantic range is limited to its function as a toponym. However, the underlying etymology suggests that the place name might have been descriptive of the locale itself, perhaps indicating a low-lying area, a place with a humble or "creeping" elevation, or an area where such creatures were prevalent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
* **Occurrences:** The word חֻמְטָה (Chumṭâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible.
* **Context:** It is found in [[Joshua 15:54]] within the detailed description of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.
* [[Joshua 15:54]]: "Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior—nine cities with their villages."
* **Geographical Significance:** Chumṭâh is listed among the cities of the hill country of Judah. Its immediate mention alongside "Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron)" places it in close proximity to one of the most significant and ancient cities in Judah. This geographical anchoring suggests that Chumṭâh was a recognizable and perhaps fortified settlement within the tribal allotment. While its precise modern location remains unidentified, its inclusion in such a meticulous list underscores its reality as an inhabited place during the period of the Israelite conquest and settlement. The phrase "nine cities with their villages" further indicates that Chumṭâh was part of a cluster of settlements, implying a degree of organization and population in the region.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Etymological Link:** The direct relationship to חֹמֶט (chomet, `{{H2546}}`), translated as "lizard" or "mole" (e.g., [[Leviticus 11:30]]), is crucial. This connection implies that the place name Chumṭâh might have been derived from a characteristic of the land itself—perhaps a low elevation, a burrowing quality of the soil, or an abundance of these specific creatures. Such descriptive naming is common in biblical toponymy.
* **Toponymic Patterns:** The naming of places based on physical features (e.g., "valley," "spring," "high place") or local fauna is a recurring pattern in ancient Near Eastern geography. Chumṭâh fits within this broader linguistic and cultural practice.
* **Tribal Allotment:** The concept of the tribal inheritance, meticulously detailed in the Book of Joshua, is a fundamental related concept. The listing of cities like Chumṭâh, even seemingly minor ones, highlights the divine precision in fulfilling God's promise of land to the tribes of Israel ([[Joshua 1:6]]). This comprehensive survey established the boundaries, identity, and secure possession of each tribe within the Promised Land.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment:** Although Chumṭâh itself is not associated with any specific theological narrative or event, its very presence in the biblical text is profoundly significant. Its inclusion in the detailed list of Judah's inheritance in [[Joshua 15]] serves as a tangible testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Every city, whether prominent or obscure, represents a concrete manifestation of God's word brought to fruition.
* **God's Sovereignty in Detail:** The precise enumeration of cities like Chumṭâh demonstrates that God's sovereignty extends not merely to broad historical movements but to the minute geographical and social details of His people's existence. It underscores that the Promised Land was not a vague concept but a precisely defined territory, divinely apportioned.
* **Identity and Belonging:** For the tribe of Judah, the possession of Chumṭâh, alongside other cities, was integral to their identity and their participation in the covenant. It represented their secure dwelling place within the land God had chosen for them, affirming their belonging and their inheritance. Even a seemingly minor place name thus contributes to the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding in history and geography.
### Summary
Chumṭâh (חֻמְטָה, `{{H2547}}`) is a unique Hebrew toponym, appearing singularly in [[Joshua 15:54]] as a city within the tribal allotment of Judah. Derived from a root related to "low" or "creeping" (חֹמֶט, `{{H2546}}`), its name likely described a physical characteristic of the location, perhaps a low-lying area. Though its exact modern site remains unknown, its inclusion alongside significant cities like Hebron confirms its historical reality as a settlement in ancient Judah. The theological significance of Chumṭâh transcends its specific location; it serves as a subtle yet powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous precision in fulfilling His covenant promises. Its presence within the detailed geographical record underscores God's sovereignty over every aspect of the land He graciously bestowed upon His chosen people, affirming their identity and inheritance within His divine plan.
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