### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châmam**, represented by `{{H2552}}`, is a primitive root primarily meaning **to be hot**. Appearing **13 times** in **12 unique verses**, its usage spans both literal and figurative applications. The term can describe the physical sensation of warmth, the act of getting heat from a source, or the state of being figuratively enflamed with passion or anger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{H2552}}` is used to describe natural and induced warmth. In [[Exodus 16:21]], the sun **waxed hot** and melted the manna provided to the Israelites. It also refers to the simple comfort of being warm, as when a man uses wood from a tree to **warm** himself by a fire [[Isaiah 44:15-16]]. In a life-restoring event, the flesh of a child **waxed warm** when the prophet Elisha lay upon him [[2 Kings 4:34]]. Figuratively, the word depicts intense spiritual or emotional states, such as "Enflaming{H2552} yourselves with idols" [[Isaiah 57:5]] or a heart that **was hot** during deep meditation [[Psalms 39:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of heat and its source:
* `{{H784}}` **'êsh** (fire): This is the literal source for much of the heat described. In [[Psalms 39:3]], the psalmist's heart **was hot** and as a result, a **fire** burned within him.
* `{{H1197}}` **bâʻar** (to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by eating)): This verb describes the action that produces heat. It is used in parallel with `{{H2552}}` when a man takes wood **to burn** and **warm** himself [[Isaiah 44:15]].
* `{{H3179}}` **yâcham** (to be hot; figuratively, to conceive): A close synonym for being warm. It is used in [[Ecclesiastes 4:11]], which contrasts the **heat** `{{H2552}}` two have together with how one can **be warm** `{{H3179}}` alone.
### Theological Significance
The theological applications of `{{H2552}}` are dual-sided, representing both life-sustaining righteousness and destructive sin.
* **Provision and Life:** Warmth is depicted as a blessing and a necessity for life. Job speaks of righteousness as providing clothing so that the loins of the poor are **warmed** [[Job 31:20]]. The restoration of the child's life in [[2 Kings 4:34]] is marked by his flesh becoming **warm**. King David's servants sought someone to help him **get heat** in his old age [[1 Kings 1:2]].
* **Idolatrous Passion:** The figurative heat of `{{H2552}}` is frequently associated with spiritual corruption. Israel is condemned for "Enflaming{H2552} yourselves with idols{H410}" [[Isaiah 57:5]]. Hosea describes a corrupt people as "all hot{H2552} as an oven{H8574}," a state that leads them to devour their judges and forget God [[Hosea 7:7]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The absence of heat is a sign of total desolation. In a prophecy of judgment, Isaiah states that a consuming fire will leave nothing behind, not even "a coal{H1513} to warm{H2552} at" [[Isaiah 47:14]].
### Summary
In summary, **châmam** `{{H2552}}` is a fundamental word that uses the physical concept of heat to explore deeper spiritual realities. It illustrates a biblical principle where the same element can be a source of life, comfort, and provision when used righteously, or a metaphor for sinful passion, idolatry, and judgment when directed away from God. From the sun's rays to the warmth of a human body, heat is a powerful symbol of both divine blessing and human failing.
TRV