### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָמִיץ (châmîyts, `{{H2548}}`) is derived from the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`), which primarily signifies "to be sour," "to be leavened," or "to be fermented." However, חָמִיץ presents a unique semantic development. Its core meaning, as suggested by its single biblical occurrence and lexicographical definitions, points to "seasoned" or "savoury." The King James Version translates it as "savoury provender," implying food that is palatable and perhaps mixed with salt or other flavourings to enhance its taste for livestock. The alternate definition "clean" might be a less direct derivative, possibly referring to food that is prepared or processed, thus 'cleaned' of impurities, or perhaps in contrast to something unfermented or unleavened in a broader sense, though this is less prominent given its context. The primary sense is that of *palatability* or *enhancement* of food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חָמִיץ (châmîyts, `{{H2548}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Isaiah 30:24]]. The verse reads: "The oxen likewise and the young asses that till the ground shall eat savoury provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan."
The context of [[Isaiah 30]] is a prophecy concerning God's judgment on Assyria and His ultimate deliverance and blessing for Judah. Specifically, [[Isaiah 30:23-26]] describes a future era of abundant agricultural prosperity and divine provision following a period of distress. In this idyllic vision, even the working animals (oxen and young asses) are depicted as eating בְּלִיל חָמִיץ (b'lil châmîyts), which translates to "mixed, seasoned provender" or "savoury fodder."
This singular usage underscores a state of blessing and abundance. The animals are not merely eating basic fodder but *seasoned* or *savoury* provender, indicating a level of care and prosperity that extends even to livestock. It speaks to a time when resources are plentiful and even the necessities are elevated in quality, reflecting the Lord's lavish provision for His people and their entire environment. The "winnowed" aspect further emphasizes the quality and preparation of this feed.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`), which means "to be sour" or "to be leavened." This root is famously associated with מַצָּה (matstsah, `{{H4682}}`), unleavened bread, central to the Passover celebration (e.g., [[Exodus 12:15]], [[Deuteronomy 16:3]]). The contrast is notable: while חָמֵץ often carries negative connotations of spoilage or ritual impurity (leaven being forbidden during Passover), חָמִיץ in [[Isaiah 30:24]] describes something desirable and beneficial.
This semantic shift from "sour/leavened" to "seasoned/savoury" for animal feed suggests a nuance within the root's family. Perhaps "seasoned" implies a *controlled* fermentation or preparation process, distinct from the undesirable "sourness" or "leavening" associated with bread. It could also imply a 'sharp' or 'pungent' taste that is desirable for fodder, akin to how certain 'sour' elements can enhance flavour.
Other related concepts include:
* בְּלִיל (b'lil, `{{H1098}}`): "mixed fodder," which is the noun חָמִיץ modifies in [[Isaiah 30:24]]. This word itself denotes a prepared mixture, often of different grains.
* מֶלַח (melach, `{{H4417}}`): "salt," though not directly related etymologically, it shares the concept of enhancing flavour, which חָמִיץ conveys.
* Concepts of "abundance," "provision," and "blessing" are thematically linked, as the single occurrence of חָמִיץ describes a state of divine favor.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance, חָמִיץ (châmîyts, `{{H2548}}`) in [[Isaiah 30:24]] holds theological significance within the broader context of God's covenantal blessings and eschatological hope. The image of animals eating "savoury provender" is a vivid illustration of the comprehensive nature of God's restoration. It signifies that in the promised era of peace and prosperity, God's care will extend even to the humblest aspects of creation, ensuring not just survival but an abundance of good things.
This speaks to the Lord's meticulous and generous provision. It is not merely that there will be *enough* food, but that the food will be *good* – "savoury" and "winnowed." This detail elevates the quality of life in the future kingdom, reflecting the divine desire for flourishing and well-being for all His creatures, a stark contrast to the scarcity and suffering often experienced in fallen creation.
Furthermore, the contrast with חָמֵץ (leaven) is subtle but perhaps noteworthy. While חָמֵץ often symbolizes corruption or impurity in ritual contexts, חָמִיץ here signifies something wholesome and beneficial. This might subtly underscore God's ability to bring forth good and blessing even from concepts that might otherwise be associated with decay or fermentation, transforming them into instruments of His benevolent provision. It points to a redeemed creation where all things serve His good purposes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָמִיץ (châmîyts, `{{H2548}}`) derives from the root חָמֵץ (châmêts, `{{H2556}}`), typically meaning "to be sour" or "leavened," but uniquely develops the meaning of "seasoned" or "savoury." Its sole occurrence in the Bible is in [[Isaiah 30:24]], where it describes the high-quality, "savoury provender" eaten by working animals in a future era of divine blessing and agricultural abundance. This usage highlights God's comprehensive and generous provision, extending even to the well-being of livestock. The term implies a state of prosperity and meticulous care, underscoring the richness of the Lord's promised restoration. While its root often carries negative connotations of impurity, חָמִיץ here signifies something desirable and beneficial, illustrating the transformative power of God's blessing in a redeemed creation.
TRV