from חָצֵר and מָוֶת; village of death; Chatsarmaveth, a place in Arabia; Hazarmaveth.
Transliteration:Chătsarmâveth
Pronunciation:khats-ar-maw'-veth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term Chătsarmâveth (`{{H2700}}`) is a proper noun, a compound word derived from two distinct Hebrew roots: חָצֵר (chatser, `{{H2691}}`), meaning "enclosure," "courtyard," "settlement," or "village," and מָוֶת (maveth, `{{H4194}}`), meaning "death." Thus, the literal and primary meaning of Chătsarmâveth is "village of death." This etymology directly informs its semantic range, which is restricted to its function as a geographical and genealogical marker. It designates a specific place or region in Arabia and, by extension, the people descended from the individual bearing this name. Its meaning is fixed by its composition, pointing to a settlement perhaps characterized by desolation, a significant death event, or a general association with mortality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chătsarmâveth appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within genealogical records:
* [[Genesis 10:26]]: "Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah," and so forth. This verse is part of the "Table of Nations" in Genesis, which meticulously details the descendants of Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Hazarmaveth is listed as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan, who was a descendant of Shem. The context here is the proliferation and geographical distribution of humanity after the flood. The names of Joktan's sons often correspond to regions in southern Arabia, indicating that Hazarmaveth likely refers to a specific territory or tribe in that area.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:20]]: "Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah," and the subsequent list is identical to [[Genesis 10:26]]. The Chronicler's genealogy largely reiterates the Genesis account, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people within the broader tapestry of human history. Its inclusion in this precise repetition underscores its importance as a recognized lineage and geographical marker within the biblical worldview.
In both instances, Chătsarmâveth functions as a name within a list of patriarchal figures whose descendants formed distinct peoples and settled specific lands. The immediate context is purely descriptive, serving to trace the lineage and geographical spread of the post-Flood population.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Chătsarmâveth naturally lead to related concepts:
* **חָצֵר (chatser, `{{H2691}}`):** This root is fundamental, signifying a dwelling place, a settlement, or an encampment. Its presence suggests human habitation, community, and the establishment of a fixed location. It connects Chătsarmâveth to the broader theme of human settlement and the formation of nations.
* **מָוֶת (maveth, `{{H4194}}`):** The concept of "death" is profoundly significant throughout the biblical narrative, representing not merely the cessation of life but often the consequence of sin and the ultimate enemy. While its application within a proper noun like Chătsarmâveth is not directly theological in the same way it is in discussions of sin or redemption, its presence in a place name is striking. It could allude to a region's harshness, a historical event of great loss, or simply a descriptive quality of the land.
* **Joktan's Descendants:** The broader family of Joktan's sons (e.g., Ophir, Sheba, Havilah) are typically associated with regions in ancient Arabia, known for their valuable resources (gold, spices) and trade routes. This places Chătsarmâveth within the context of early Arabian civilizations and the extensive network of nations described in Genesis 10.
* **Table of Nations (Genesis 10):** Chătsarmâveth is an integral part of this foundational biblical document, which outlines the divinely ordered dispersion and differentiation of humanity across the earth. It highlights God's sovereignty over all peoples and their geographical distribution.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating a place and a lineage, Chătsarmâveth does not carry a direct theological message in the same way a verb or common noun might. However, its striking etymology—"village of death"—within the context of God's blessing upon the multiplying nations of the earth invites subtle theological reflection:
* **The Pervasiveness of Death:** The name itself serves as a stark reminder of the reality of death in a fallen world, even amidst the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply." It suggests that even the expanding human family encountered and named locations reflective of mortality's shadow.
* **God's Sovereignty Over All Lands:** Despite a name that might evoke desolation or sorrow, Chătsarmâveth is listed among those regions settled by the descendants of Joktan, who were part of God's plan for the repopulation of the earth. This subtly underscores God's providential oversight extending to all corners of the globe, even those perhaps marked by hardship or loss.
* **The Mystery of Naming:** The specific reason for this particular name is not revealed. It could be commemorative of a past tragedy, descriptive of the land's barrenness, or even indicative of a spiritual reality. Regardless, it is a testament to the diverse experiences and realities faced by early human settlements, all occurring within the grand narrative of God's creation and ordering of the world.
### Summary
Chătsarmâveth (`{{H2700}}`) is a proper noun, literally meaning "village of death," formed from the Hebrew words for "village" (`{{H2691}}`) and "death" (`{{H4194}}`). It appears twice in the biblical genealogies ([[Genesis 10:26]], [[1 Chronicles 1:20]]), identifying one of the sons of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, and by extension, a region in Arabia associated with his lineage. While its direct theological significance is limited due to its nature as a place name, its evocative etymology subtly highlights the pervasive reality of death in the world, even as God's plan for human flourishing and the spread of nations unfolds. It stands as a testament to the diverse character of the lands settled by early humanity, all within the comprehensive scope of divine providence.
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