a primitive root; to muzzle; by analogy, to stop the nose; muzzle, stop.
Transliteration:châçam
Pronunciation:khaw-sam'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חָסַם (châçam, `{{H2629}}`) is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to muzzle" or "to stop the mouth." This primary sense implies a physical restraint, specifically preventing an animal from eating or speaking. By analogy, the definition extends to "stop the nose," suggesting a broader concept of obstruction or prevention of a natural function, whether it be consumption, breathing, or vocalization. The underlying idea is one of control, limitation, or protection, where an action or intake is deliberately hindered. While its literal application is to an animal's mouth, the semantic range inherently touches upon concepts of restraint, prohibition, and the withholding of access.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חָסַם (châçam, `{{H2629}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Deuteronomy, and is subsequently quoted in the New Testament.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 25:4]]**: "You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain."
* **Context**: This command is part of a broader section of laws in Deuteronomy (chapters 22-25) that deal with various aspects of justice, social responsibility, and compassionate treatment within the Israelite community. These laws cover everything from lost property to fair weights and measures, and even care for animals. The specific injunction against muzzling the ox highlights God's concern for the welfare of working animals. The ox, as it labors to separate grain from chaff, is permitted to eat from the very produce it helps to process. This is a law rooted in fairness and compassion, ensuring that the laborer (even an animal) benefits directly from its toil. It reflects a divine principle that work should not be divorced from its just reward.
2. **[[1 Timothy 5:18]]**: "For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The laborer deserves his wages.'"
* **Context**: The Apostle Paul, in instructing Timothy on the proper conduct and organization of the church, specifically addresses the remuneration of elders who "work hard in preaching and teaching." To support his argument that such elders deserve financial support, Paul quotes two scriptural principles. The first is the command from Deuteronomy 25:4.
* **Application**: Paul's use of this verse is a classic example of *a fortiori* reasoning (from the lesser to the greater). If God cares enough for an animal to ensure it receives sustenance while working, how much more should those who labor in the spiritual harvest—teaching and preaching the Word of God—be provided for? The principle of fair compensation for labor, initially applied to an animal, is here elevated and directly applied to human ministers of the Gospel. The Greek word used for "muzzle" here is φιμόω (phimoo, `{{G5392}}`), which perfectly conveys the meaning of חָסַם.
### Related Words & Concepts
The limited occurrences of חָסַם (châçam, `{{H2629}}`) necessitate exploring its conceptual connections to fully grasp its significance.
* **Words for "Mouth" and "Restraint":** The most direct conceptual link is to words referring to the mouth, such as פֶּה (peh, `{{H6310}}`), which is the object of muzzling. Other Hebrew words related to restraint or hindering, though not directly synonymous, include עָצַר (ʿāṣar, `{{H6113}}`, to restrain, hold back) or כָּלָא (kālāʾ, `{{H3607}}`, to shut up, restrain).
* **Words for "Work" and "Labor":** The context of the ox treading grain naturally connects חָסַם to terms for work and labor, such as פָּעַל (pāʿal, `{{H6466}}`, to work, do) or עָבַד (ʿāvaḏ, `{{H5647}}`, to serve, work). In the New Testament context, Paul uses ἐργάτης (ergatēs, `{{G2040}}`, worker, laborer).
* **Words for "Wages" and "Reward":** The implicit opposite of muzzling the ox is allowing it to eat, which functions as its "wage." This links to concepts of remuneration, such as שָׂכָר (śāḵār, `{{H7939}}`, wages, reward) in Hebrew, and μισθός (misthos, `{{G3408}}`, wages, reward) in Greek, as seen alongside the quote in [[1 Timothy 5:18]].
* **Concepts of Justice and Compassion:** The command not to muzzle the ox is fundamentally an act of justice (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat, `{{H4941}}`) and compassion (רַחֲמִים, raḥămîm, `{{H7359}}`). It reflects a divine standard of fairness and care for all creatures, and by extension, for all who labor.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet profound, usage of חָסַם (châçam, `{{H2629}}`) carries significant theological weight, revealing aspects of God's character and His principles for humanity.
1. **Divine Care for Creation**: The command in Deuteronomy demonstrates God's expansive compassion, extending even to animals. It underscores the principle that all of creation, even those used for human benefit, are worthy of humane treatment and provision. This reflects the Creator's benevolent nature and His expectation that His people reflect His character in their dominion over the earth.
2. **Principle of Just Compensation**: The prohibition against muzzling the ox establishes a foundational principle of divine justice: those who labor should partake in the fruit of their labor. This is not merely an economic principle but a moral and theological one, ensuring that effort is met with appropriate reward. It implicitly condemns exploitation and the withholding of due recompense.
3. **Application to Human Dignity and Ministry**: Paul's application of this law in [[1 Timothy 5:18]] elevates its theological significance from animal welfare to human dignity and, specifically, the support of those engaged in spiritual labor. It asserts that if an ox deserves to eat while it works, then those who dedicate their lives to the arduous work of preaching and teaching the Gospel are certainly worthy of financial support from the community they serve. This principle highlights the reciprocal relationship between the spiritual laborer and the beneficiaries of their ministry, emphasizing the church's responsibility to provide for its ministers as a matter of divine command and justice.
4. **God as the Source of Provision**: Ultimately, the command points to God as the ultimate provider and the one who establishes equitable standards for sustenance and reward. It reminds believers that true justice and provision flow from His character and His revealed will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָסַם (châçam, `{{H2629}}`) fundamentally means "to muzzle" or "to stop the mouth." While its literal definition is simple, its solitary biblical occurrence in [[Deuteronomy 25:4]]—"You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain"—imbues it with profound theological significance. This command reveals God's compassionate care for all His creation, even working animals, and establishes a foundational principle of divine justice: those who labor should be allowed to partake in the fruits of their work. The Apostle Paul's subsequent citation of this verse in [[1 Timothy 5:18]] powerfully extends this principle from animal welfare to the imperative of providing just compensation for those who labor in the Gospel ministry. Thus, חָסַם, though rare, serves as a potent reminder of God's character as a just and benevolent Provider, advocating for fairness, condemning exploitation, and underscoring the dignity of labor and the right to its due reward.
TRV