The Hebrew word chêmeth, represented by H2573, refers to a bottle, specifically a skin bottle used for holding liquids. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses. Its meaning is derived from its function as a tied-up container, often holding life-sustaining water.
In the biblical narrative, H2573 is most prominent in the story of Hagar and Ishmael. When Abraham sends them away, he provides them with a bottle of water for their journey Genesis 21:14. The narrative reaches its crisis point when the water in the bottle is gone Genesis 21:15. God then intervenes, revealing a well so Hagar can fill the bottle again and save her son Genesis 21:19. The word is also used in a negative context in Habakkuk, which warns against the one who uses his bottle to make his neighbor drunk Habakkuk 2:15.
Several related words help clarify the context and function of the bottle:
- H4325 mayim (water): This is the essential substance carried within the bottle in the Genesis account. The presence or absence of water drives the entire narrative of survival (Genesis 21:15, Genesis 21:19).
- H3615 kâlâh (to end... be finished, perish... consume): This verb is used to describe the moment the water was "spent" from the bottle, marking the point of desperation and the end of Hagar's provisions Genesis 21:15.
- H8248 shâqâh (to... cause to... drink): This word describes the primary purpose of the water in the bottle. It is used positively when Hagar gives her son a drink Genesis 21:19 and negatively in the warning against giving a neighbor drink to intoxicate him Habakkuk 2:15.
The conceptual weight of H2573 is tied to its role as a vessel of critical resources.
- Provision and Survival: The bottle is a key instrument of provision. It holds the water Abraham gives to Hagar and is the vessel she refills after God's intervention, directly enabling survival Genesis 21:19.
- Human Limitation: The empty bottle symbolizes the limits of human preparation and the onset of despair. When the water was "spent," Hagar's hope was lost until divine help arrived Genesis 21:15.
- Instrument of Malice: In contrast to its life-sustaining role in Genesis, the bottle in Habakkuk is an instrument of deception and harm, used to exploit a neighbor Habakkuk 2:15.
In summary, H2573 is more than a simple object. It is a powerful symbol in Scripture representing the container of finite, life-giving resources. Its state—whether full or empty—dictates moments of survival and despair. The bottle illustrates a duality, serving as a vessel for both divine provision in a time of need and for human wickedness in a moment of temptation.
TRV