a primitive root; also as denominative (from חֵמָר); properly, to boil up; hence, to ferment (with scum); to glow (with redness); to smear with pitch; daub, befoul, be red, trouble.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châmar**, represented by `{{H2560}}`, is a primitive root with a core meaning of "to boil up." It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. From its primary sense of boiling or fermenting, it expands to describe a range of intense states, including being troubled, glowing with redness, being befouled, or the literal act of smearing with pitch.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2560}}` captures both literal actions and deep emotional or physical turmoil. In a literal sense, it describes the preparation of the ark for the infant Moses, which was **daubed** with slime and pitch to make it waterproof [[Exodus 2:3]]. Metaphorically, it conveys intense agitation. The psalmist describes the cup of God's judgment containing wine that **is red**, suggesting fermentation and potency [[Psalms 75:8]]. It is also used to depict the physical manifestation of extreme grief and distress, as in Lamentations where the speaker's "bowels **are troubled**" ([[Lamentations 1:20]]; [[Lamentations 2:11]]) or in Job, where his face **is foul** from weeping [[Job 16:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H2560}}` is used:
* `{{H1993}}` **hâmâh** (to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, roar): This word often appears alongside `{{H2560}}` to describe massive upheaval. In [[Psalms 46:3]], the waters **roar** (hâmâh) and **be troubled** (châmar), painting a picture of cosmic disturbance.
* `{{H2564}}` **chêmâr** (bitumen... slime): As the root for the denominative use of `{{H2560}}`, this word is directly linked to the physical application of materials. In [[Exodus 2:3]], the ark is daubed using **slime** (chêmâr).
* `{{H6887}}` **tsârar** (to cramp... be in distress, vex): This word describes the internal state of affliction that `{{H2560}}` often expresses physically. The cry, "I am in **distress**" in [[Lamentations 1:20]], is immediately followed by the physical symptom: "my bowels **are troubled**."
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H2560}}` is found in its powerful depiction of agitation, whether righteous or resulting from sin.
* **The Turmoil of Judgment:** The word is used to illustrate divine judgment. The **red**, fermented wine in the Lord's cup symbolizes the potent wrath to be served to the wicked [[Psalms 75:8]]. The "troubled" waters in [[Psalms 46:3]] also speak of a creation in commotion.
* **The Anguish of Suffering:** In Lamentations and Job, `{{H2560}}` gives a visceral, physical expression to emotional and spiritual pain. The "troubled" bowels are not just a figure of speech but a depiction of how profoundly grief and the consequences of rebellion affect the human body ([[Lamentations 1:20]]; [[Lamentations 2:11]]).
* **An Act of Preservation:** In a unique positive application, the action of "daubing" derived from `{{H2560}}` is what seals and protects the ark of Moses, leading to his salvation from death [[Exodus 2:3]]. This shows the concept of "covering" or "smearing" used for deliverance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2560}}` is a dynamic term that moves from the literal boiling of a substance to the figurative boiling of emotion and the turmoil of nature. It can describe the color of fermented wine in a cup of judgment [[Psalms 75:8]], the physical agony of a soul in distress [[Lamentations 1:20]], and the practical act of sealing an ark for preservation [[Exodus 2:3]]. This word powerfully illustrates how Scripture connects abstract concepts like judgment and grief to tangible, physical experiences.
TRV