from an unused root probably meaning, to be stout; the abdomen (as obese); fifth (rib).
Transliteration:chômesh
Pronunciation:kho'-mesh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`) is derived from an unused root, yet its meaning is strongly informed by its sole biblical occurrence and its probable connection to חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, `{{H2568}}`), meaning "five." The base definition provided suggests two primary interpretations: "the abdomen (as obese)" and "fifth (rib)." In the context of its usage, חֹמֶשׁ primarily denotes a specific, vital anatomical region—the "abdomen" or "belly." The association with "stoutness" or "obesity" likely refers to the fleshy nature of this area. The alternative interpretation of "fifth (rib)" or a "fifth" part of the body suggests a precise, potentially vulnerable, anatomical location, aligning with the numerical root. Thus, the semantic range encompasses a specific, internal, and critical area of the human torso.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the book of [[2 Samuel 2:23]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its precise meaning:
> "However, he refused to turn aside; so Abner struck him in the abdomen with the back of his spear, and the spear came out behind him; and he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that everyone who came to the place where Asahel fell and died, stood still."
In this dramatic account, Asahel, pursuing Abner, is struck a fatal blow. The phrase "struck him in the abdomen" (וַיַּכֵּהוּ אַבְנֵר אֶל־הַחֹמֶשׁ, wa-yakkēhū ’aḇnēr ’el-ha-chômeš) describes the precise location of the wound. The spear passing through Asahel's body underscores the lethality and depth of the injury to this vital area. The context clearly indicates חֹמֶשׁ refers to the lower torso, the region containing vital organs, rather than merely a superficial area. This specific usage solidifies its meaning as a critical, vulnerable part of the body.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant linguistic connection for חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`) is to the Hebrew word חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, `{{H2568}}`), meaning "five." This numerical association has led some scholars to interpret חֹמֶשׁ as referring to the "fifth rib" or a "fifth" section of the body, implying a specific, perhaps traditionally recognized, vulnerable point. While the exact anatomical division implied by "fifth" remains speculative, the connection highlights the precision inherent in the term.
Other Hebrew words for body parts, such as בֶּטֶן (beten, `{{H990}}`, "belly, womb") or גֵּו (gev, `{{H1472}}`, "back, body"), are more general. חֹמֶשׁ stands out due to its singular, context-specific use in describing a fatal wound, suggesting a more precise and perhaps culturally understood vital area for a spear thrust. The concept of a "vital spot" or "vulnerable point" is implicitly linked, as the blow to the חֹמֶשׁ is immediately fatal.
### Theological Significance
While חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`) is primarily an anatomical descriptor, its singular and decisive role in a narrative of death carries implicit theological weight. The sudden and precise death of Asahel, struck in this vital area, serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life. Even a valiant warrior, pursuing an enemy, can be brought down by a single, well-placed blow. This underscores the ultimate brevity of human existence and the inescapable reality of mortality, themes frequently explored in biblical wisdom literature and historical narratives.
Furthermore, the detailed description of Asahel's death contributes to the broader biblical portrayal of the consequences of conflict and the tragic nature of civil strife. In the unfolding narrative of David's rise and the decline of Saul's house, Asahel's death is a poignant moment, illustrating the human cost of the power struggles. The specific mention of the חֹמֶשׁ emphasizes the definitive and irreversible nature of death, highlighting the sacredness of life and the severity of taking it, even in battle. The precision of the biblical account, even in describing such a grim event, can also be seen as reflecting the meticulousness of divine record-keeping and the truthfulness of Scripture.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֹמֶשׁ (chômesh, `{{H2570}}`) is a rare and potent term, appearing exclusively in [[2 Samuel 2:23]]. Derived from an unused root possibly linked to חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, `{{H2568}}`) meaning "five," it refers to a vital anatomical region: the "abdomen" or "belly." In its sole biblical context, it describes the precise location of the fatal spear thrust that killed Asahel, emphasizing the lethality and directness of the blow. While its etymological connection to "five" might suggest a specific "fifth rib" or a particular section of the torso, its usage unequivocally points to a vulnerable, internal area of the body. The term's singular occurrence vividly underscores the fragility of human life, the swiftness of death in conflict, and the detailed, unvarnished realism characteristic of biblical historical accounts.
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