from the plural of חַמָּה and דּוֹר; hot springs of Dor; Chammath-Dor, a place in Palestine; Hamath-Dor.
Transliteration:Chammôth Dôʼr
Pronunciation:kham-moth' dore
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חַמֹּת דֹּאר (Chammôth Dôʼr), Strong's number `{{H2576}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its base definition is "hot springs of Dor." This compound name is derived from the plural of חַמָּה (chammah), meaning "heat" or "hot springs," and דּוֹר (Dôʼr), referring to the ancient city of Dor. Thus, the name precisely describes a place characterized by thermal springs situated near the city of Dor. The semantic range of this term is strictly geographical, designating a specific site known for its natural hot springs within the ancient land of Canaan. It carries no broader abstract or theological meaning beyond its literal topographical description.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חַמֹּת דֹּאר (Chammôth Dôʼr) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 19:28]]**: "and Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon; and then the border turns to Ramah and to the fortified city of Tyre, and the border turns to Hosah, and its outlets are at the sea from the region of Achzib. Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob; twenty-two cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages." (Note: The King James Version and some others translate a different reading here, often "Hammon" and "Kanah." However, other ancient versions and modern critical texts support "Hammath-Dor" or "Chammath-Dor" in this verse, often as part of the listing of cities belonging to the tribe of Asher. Many English translations render it as "Hammon" or "Hamath" due to textual variants, but the underlying Hebrew for `{{H2576}}` is intended for this context, specifically as a city within the tribal allotment.)
In this solitary occurrence, Hammath-Dor is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Asher. The context is a detailed geographical description of the tribal inheritances after the conquest of Canaan. The inclusion of Hammath-Dor in this list underscores its status as an identifiable and significant settlement within the divinely appointed boundaries. Furthermore, biblical scholarship, drawing from other passages (e.g., [[Joshua 21:30]]), identifies "Hammon" or "Hamath" (often linked to Hammath-Dor or a related place) as one of the cities designated for the Levites. This designation implies a special status, as Levitical cities served as centers for religious instruction and judicial administration, providing dwelling places for the priestly tribe who had no territorial inheritance of their own.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name חַמֹּת דֹּאר (Chammôth Dôʼr) is intrinsically linked to its component parts:
* **חַמָּה (chammah)**: The root of the plural "chammot" is `{{H2535}}`, which generally refers to "heat" or "sun." In the context of place names, it often denotes "hot springs," as seen in other related toponyms like Hammath (`{{H2577}}`), another city possibly also known for its hot springs. This suggests a common geographical descriptor used in naming settlements.
* **דּוֹר (Dôʼr)**: This refers to the ancient city of Dor, a significant coastal city (`{{H1725}}`). It is distinct from the more common Hebrew word דּוֹר (dor) meaning "generation" (`{{H1755}}`). The association with Dor firmly places Hammath-Dor geographically in the coastal region of ancient Israel.
Conceptually, Hammath-Dor relates to:
* **Tribal Allotments**: The detailed division of the land among the Israelite tribes, a central theme in the book of Joshua, signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham.
* **Levitical Cities**: The establishment of specific cities for the Levites, highlighting the divine provision for their sustenance and their crucial role in the spiritual life and governance of Israel. This system ensured the presence of spiritual guides and judges throughout the land.
* **Geographical Markers**: The use of natural features (like hot springs) as distinctive elements in place names, reflecting the intimate connection between the people, their land, and its unique characteristics.
### Theological Significance
While חַמֹּת דֹּאר (Chammôth Dôʼr) is a geographical designation, its inclusion in the biblical narrative carries indirect but profound theological significance. Its mention within the tribal inheritance of Asher, and particularly its identification as a Levitical city (if confirmed by textual and historical analysis), speaks to several key theological themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Fulfillment of Promise**: The meticulous listing of cities like Hammath-Dor demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Every city, every boundary, was part of a divinely orchestrated plan for the nation of Israel.
2. **Order and Structure in God's Kingdom**: The designation of Levitical cities across the land, including places like Hammath-Dor, reflects God's desire for an ordered and structured society. These cities served as centers for the teaching of the Law, the administration of justice, and the maintenance of spiritual purity, ensuring that the Levites could fulfill their priestly and teaching roles throughout the tribes. This arrangement underscores God's concern for the spiritual well-being and moral governance of His people.
3. **The Sacredness of the Land**: The detailed biblical geography, including the naming of specific features like "hot springs," emphasizes the sacredness of the land as a gift from God. Even seemingly mundane geographical details are woven into the fabric of God's redemptive history, pointing to His sovereignty over all creation and His particular care for His chosen people and their inheritance.
### Summary
חַמֹּת דֹּאר (Chammôth Dôʼr), Strong's number `{{H2576}}`, literally means "hot springs of Dor" and refers to a specific place in ancient Palestine. It is mentioned once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 19:28]], as a city within the tribal inheritance of Asher. Importantly, it is understood by scholars to be one of the cities designated for the Levites. The significance of Hammath-Dor, though a place name, lies in its contribution to the broader biblical narrative of divine providence, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His land promises and His meticulous ordering of the Israelite society through the establishment of Levitical cities. It serves as a subtle reminder of God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for the spiritual instruction of His people.
TRV