from passive participle of חָרַם and אַף; snub-nosed; Charumaph, an Israelite; Harumaph.
Transliteration:chărûwmaph
Pronunciation:khar-oo-maf'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2739}}` (חֲרוּמַף, chărûwmaph) is a proper noun, a personal name, whose meaning is derived from its constituent parts. The Strong's definition indicates it is formed from the passive participle of `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם, ḥāram) and `{{H639}}` (אַף, 'aph). The root `{{H2763}}` primarily signifies "to devote to destruction," "to utterly destroy," or "to put under the ban" (herem). However, in a less common or derived sense, it can also relate to the idea of being "cut off" or "mutilated." The noun `{{H639}}` means "nose," "nostril," or "face," and by extension, "anger." When combined, particularly with the passive participle of `{{H2763}}`, the meaning shifts to a physical description: "snub-nosed" or "having a cut-off nose." This suggests a descriptive name, likely referring to a distinctive facial feature of the individual or an ancestor. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the identification of this specific person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Harumaph occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Nehemiah:
* [[Nehemiah 3:10]]: "Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house. Next to him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs."
This solitary occurrence places Harumaph within the historical context of the post-exilic period, specifically during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah. Harumaph is mentioned as the father of Jedaiah, who was among the many individuals and families contributing to this monumental task. The meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 3 underscores the communal effort and the personal investment of the returned exiles in restoring their city and their spiritual heritage. While the name itself, "snub-nosed," is descriptive, its significance in this context is primarily genealogical, identifying the lineage of a participant in the sacred work. It serves to root Jedaiah within a specific family, highlighting the individual contributions that collectively led to the successful reconstruction of Jerusalem's defenses.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Harumaph connects it to two significant Hebrew roots. The first, `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם, ḥāram), is most famously associated with the concept of *herem*, the divine ban or utter destruction, particularly in the context of holy war. However, its application here as a descriptive physical characteristic ("cut off") points to a more literal or less common usage of the root, emphasizing a physical alteration rather than a theological decree. This highlights the polysemy of Hebrew roots and how their meanings can diverge based on context and grammatical form. The second root, `{{H639}}` (אַף, 'aph), is straightforwardly used in its meaning of "nose."
The practice of giving descriptive names based on physical characteristics was not uncommon in ancient Israelite culture, as seen in names like Esau (meaning "hairy" or "rough") or Laban (meaning "white"). While Harumaph's name might seem unusual to modern ears, it fits within this cultural pattern of identifying individuals by distinct features. The presence of such a name in the biblical text reminds us of the humanity and individuality of the people involved in God's unfolding plan, each with their unique traits and stories.
### Theological Significance
As a personal name, Harumaph does not carry direct theological significance in the same way that names like "Immanuel" or "Jesus" do. Its primary role is to identify an individual within a genealogical record. However, its inclusion in the biblical narrative, particularly in a chapter detailing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, does offer subtle theological insights.
First, it underscores the biblical emphasis on the individual's role in God's redemptive work. Every person, even those identified by a physical characteristic or a seemingly unusual name, is part of the larger tapestry of God's people and contributes to His purposes. The detailed lists in Nehemiah 3 affirm the value of each person's contribution, regardless of their background or personal attributes.
Second, the very nature of the name, "snub-nosed," might subtly point to the biblical theme that God uses all kinds of people, including those who might be considered physically imperfect or distinctive. God's call and His work are not limited by human perceptions of beauty or conventionality. This resonates with broader biblical principles that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance (cf. [[1 Samuel 16:7]]). Harumaph, through his son Jedaiah, participates in the vital work of restoring God's city, demonstrating that one's physical characteristics do not impede their ability to serve the Lord and His community.
### Summary
`{{H2739}}` (חֲרוּמַף, chărûwmaph) is a unique Hebrew proper noun meaning "snub-nosed," derived from the passive participle of `{{H2763}}` (חָרַם, "to be cut off") and `{{H639}}` (אַף, "nose"). It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Nehemiah 3:10]], identifying the father of Jedaiah, who participated in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. While the name itself is a physical descriptor, its primary function in the text is genealogical, highlighting the individual contributions to the communal restoration effort. The inclusion of such a name subtly reinforces the biblical truth that God values and uses every individual in His divine plan, regardless of their personal characteristics, for the advancement of His kingdom.
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