from חָמַר; bitumen (as rising to the surface); slime(-pit).
Transliteration:chêmâr
Pronunciation:khay-mawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֵמָר (chêmâr, `{{H2564}}`) is derived from the root חָמַר (chāmar, `{{H2560}}`), which carries a semantic range including "to boil up," "to ferment," "to be red," or "to be troubled." This etymological connection suggests a substance that is viscous, perhaps bubbling, or dark in color. The primary meaning of חֵמָר is "bitumen," "asphalt," or "pitch." It refers to a naturally occurring, black, highly viscous, and adhesive substance, often found seeping to the surface of the earth. In ancient contexts, bitumen was valued for its properties as a strong adhesive and waterproofing agent, making it a crucial material in construction and various other applications. The definition's note of "rising to the surface" underscores its natural geological formation and availability in certain regions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֵמָר (chêmâr) appears in the Hebrew Bible in two highly significant contexts, both found in the book of Genesis:
* **[[Genesis 11:3]]**: "And they said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.' And they had brick for stone, and bitumen ([[H2564]]) for mortar." This is the most iconic occurrence, describing the building materials used for the Tower of Babel. The use of burnt brick and bitumen as mortar signifies an advanced and durable construction method, contrasting with the more common practice of using natural stone and mud mortar. In this narrative, the builders' choice of materials reflects their ambition to construct a permanent city and a tower reaching to the heavens, an act of human self-sufficiency and collective pride intended to prevent their dispersion and make a name for themselves, in defiance of God's command to fill the earth. The availability of bitumen in Mesopotamia (ancient Babylonia) made this material a natural choice for such large-scale projects.
* **[[Genesis 14:10]]**: "Now the Valley of Siddim was full of bitumen pits ([[H2564]]); and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell into them, and those who remained fled to the hills." Here, חֵמָר refers to natural "bitumen pits" or "tar pits" in the Dead Sea region, specifically the Valley of Siddim. These pits served as a treacherous geographical feature during the battle between the four kings and the five kings. For the fleeing kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, these pits became a fatal trap. This context highlights the natural, hazardous aspect of bitumen, contrasting with its use as a constructive material in [[Genesis 11]]. The presence of these pits also provides a natural backdrop for the later destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as the region was geologically prone to such sulfurous and bituminous deposits.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root חָמַר (chāmar, `{{H2560}}`):** The verbal root from which חֵמָר is derived. Its meanings like "to boil," "to ferment," or "to be troubled" subtly inform the nature of bitumen as a substance that can be viscous, bubbling, or even treacherous.
* **חֹמֶר (chōmer, `{{H2563}}`):** This related word refers to "clay" or "mire," often used for mortar or building material. The deliberate choice of חֵמָר (bitumen) over חֹמֶר (clay) in the Babel narrative emphasizes the unique, more durable, and perhaps more technologically advanced nature of the former.
* **Building Materials:** The concept of חֵמָר is intrinsically linked to ancient construction practices. Its use contrasts with natural stone (אֶבֶן - 'eben, `{{H68}}`) and conventional mortar.
* **Geographical Features:** The "bitumen pits" of [[Genesis 14:10]] connect חֵמָר to specific geological landscapes, particularly those rich in petroleum deposits, such as Mesopotamia and the Dead Sea region.
* **Symbolism of Human Endeavor:** In the Babel narrative, חֵמָר becomes a symbol of human ingenuity, ambition, and the collective effort to achieve greatness apart from divine direction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֵמָר (chêmâr) is profound, especially given its limited yet impactful appearances:
* **Symbol of Human Hubris and Self-Reliance:** In the Tower of Babel narrative ([[Genesis 11]]), the use of bitumen for mortar is more than just a detail about building materials; it is a powerful symbol of human ambition and defiance. By using burnt bricks and durable bitumen, humanity sought to construct a lasting monument to its own power and unity, aiming to "make a name for ourselves" and avoid dispersion, directly counteracting God's implicit command to fill the earth. This act, facilitated by human technological prowess (represented by חֵמָר), represents a corporate act of pride and rebellion against divine sovereignty, leading to the divine judgment of confused languages and dispersion.
* **Natural Consequence and Divine Judgment:** In the account of the Valley of Siddim ([[Genesis 14]]), the "bitumen pits" serve as a natural trap for the fleeing kings. This detail subtly foreshadows the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, where the very landscape, steeped in such volatile elements, would be instrumental in their fiery destruction. Here, חֵמָר represents not human construction, but a treacherous aspect of the created order that can become an instrument of natural consequence or divine judgment, illustrating how the physical world can reflect spiritual realities. The sticky, inescapable nature of bitumen can be seen as a metaphor for the inescapable consequences of sin.
* **Contrast Between Human and Divine Construction:** The human attempt to build a lasting structure with חֵמָר in Babel stands in stark contrast to God's own creative acts. While God creates through His word, human beings, in their pride, rely on their own ingenuity and materials to establish their dominion. This highlights a recurring biblical theme: the futility of human endeavors when they are driven by self-exaltation rather than obedience to God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֵמָר (chêmâr, `{{H2564}}`) denotes "bitumen" or "asphalt," a viscous, adhesive substance derived from a root suggesting bubbling or fermenting. Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its occurrences are critically significant. In the narrative of the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11:3]]), חֵמָר symbolizes human technological prowess and collective hubris, serving as the durable mortar for a monument built in defiance of divine will, ultimately leading to God's judgment and the confusion of languages. Conversely, in the description of the Valley of Siddim ([[Genesis 14:10]]), חֵמָר refers to natural "bitumen pits" which become a treacherous trap for the fleeing kings, subtly foreshadowing the divine judgment that would later consume the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Thus, חֵמָר transcends its literal meaning as a material or geological feature, functioning as a profound theological symbol within Genesis, illustrating themes of human ambition versus divine sovereignty, and the natural consequences that can accompany both human enterprise and divine judgment.
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