### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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