The Hebrew word chămôrâh, represented by H2565, means a heap; heap. It is a rare term, appearing only 2 times within a single, unique verse in the entire Bible. Its significance is derived entirely from its specific, dramatic context and its linguistic relationship to a related word.
The sole appearance of H2565 is in Judges 15:16, where Samson H8123 declares his victory over the Philistines. After slaying a thousand men H376 with the jawbone H3895 of an ass H2543, he exclaims, "With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps... have I slain a thousand men." The repetition of the word emphasizes the massive scale of the slaughter, creating a vivid image of the piles of his defeated enemies.
The meaning of H2565 is illuminated by its connection to several key words within its only context:
- H2543 chămôwr (a male ass): This word is central to the passage. The instrument of Samson's victory, the jawbone of an ass, becomes the basis for a pun, as its Hebrew root is related to the word for heap Judges 15:16. The ass is also mentioned throughout scripture as an animal of value and property (Genesis 24:35, Exodus 20:17).
- H3895 lᵉchîy (jaw-bone): This refers to the specific weapon Samson used. The term can mean jaw-bone or cheek, as seen in descriptions of beauty or suffering (Song of Solomon 1:10, Lamentations 1:2).
- H5221 nâkâh (to strike, slay, smite): This verb describes the violent action that produced the "heaps." It is used broadly for striking or killing, whether by human hands or as an act of God (Isaiah 53:4, Exodus 17:6).
- H8123 Shimshôwn (Samson): The Israelite judge who performs this feat. His story is one of great strength, and this event is a primary example of his power Judges 15:16.
The significance of H2565 is found in the themes of the narrative rather than in a broad theological concept.
- Literary Wordplay: The primary function of chămôrâh is to create a memorable pun. The similarity between the word for "ass" (chămôwr) and "heap" (chămôrâh) forever links the tool of the victory with its result.
- Symbol of Overwhelming Victory: The phrase "heaps upon heaps" serves as a powerful hyperbole to illustrate the totality of Samson's triumph against overwhelming odds. It graphically portrays the outcome of divinely granted strength.
- Commemoration of a Deed: Samson's statement is a declaration of victory that is meant to be remembered. By using this specific word, the narrative embeds the nature of the event—slaying enemies with a donkey's jawbone—into the very description of its aftermath.
In summary, chămôrâh H2565 is a highly specialized term whose entire meaning is locked within the context of Judges 15:16. It is not a word with broad application but one used for a specific literary and dramatic effect. Its use demonstrates how biblical Hebrew can employ wordplay to create a lasting and vivid image, forever connecting Samson, the jawbone of an ass, and the resulting "heaps" of his enemies in a single, powerful declaration.
TRV