apparently from the same as סֶלַע in the sense of crushing as with a rock, i.e. consuming; a kind of locust (from its destructiveness); bald locust.
Transliteration:çolʻâm
Pronunciation:sol-awm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma H5556, "çolʻâm" (סׇלְעָם), denotes a specific type of locust. Its etymological root is understood to be connected to the Hebrew word for "rock," `{{H5553}}` (selaʻ), conveying a sense of "crushing" or "consuming." This derivation powerfully underscores the destructive capacity inherent in this insect. While often translated as "bald locust," this likely refers to a particular morphological characteristic, such as a smooth head or thorax, rather than a lack of wings, though the primary emphasis remains on its devastating potential. The semantic range of "çolʻâm" is quite narrow, exclusively identifying this particular species of destructive insect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word "çolʻâm" (H5556) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Leviticus 11:22]]. This solitary occurrence is within the detailed dietary laws given to Israel, often referred to as the laws of kashrut. The context is a list of winged insects that are permissible for consumption: "Of them you may eat: the locust of any kind, the bald locust of any kind, the cricket of any kind, and the grasshopper of any kind." Here, "çolʻâm" is enumerated alongside other locust-like creatures such as "arbeh" (`{{H697}}`), "chargol" (`{{H2719}}`), and "chagab" (`{{H2284}}`). Its inclusion in this list of ritually clean foods, rather than in narratives of plague or destruction, presents a unique perspective. Despite its etymological connection to "crushing" and its potential for devastation, it is divinely sanctioned as a food source, illustrating God's meticulous provision and sovereignty even over creatures typically associated with adversity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5553}}` (selaʻ):** This word, meaning "rock," is the etymological root suggested for "çolʻâm," highlighting the "crushing" or "consuming" action associated with both a rock and the destructive locust.
* **Other Locust Terms:** The Bible employs several terms for different types of locusts and grasshoppers, often distinguishing them by species, developmental stage, or destructive capacity. These include:
* `{{H697}}` (arbeh): The most common term, often referring to swarming locusts that bring plagues (e.g., [[Exodus 10:4]], [[Joel 1:4]]).
* `{{H2719}}` (chargol): Another type of winged insect, sometimes translated as "cricket" or "locust," also listed in [[Leviticus 11:22]].
* `{{H2284}}` (chagab): Generally translated as "grasshopper" or "locust," occasionally used metaphorically for smallness or insignificance (e.g., [[Numbers 13:33]], [[Isaiah 40:22]]).
* **Dietary Laws (Kashrut):** The broader context of [[Leviticus 11]] establishes the distinction between clean and unclean animals for the Israelite people. The inclusion of certain locust species as clean food is noteworthy, as insects are generally not consumed in many cultures. This demonstrates the unique divine instructions given to Israel, emphasizing principles of holiness and separation.
### Theological Significance
The primary theological significance of "çolʻâm" stems from its inclusion in the Mosaic dietary laws. By designating specific types of locusts as ritually clean, God demonstrated His comprehensive sovereignty over all creation, even over creatures known for their destructive potential. This provision was highly practical, as locusts could serve as a vital protein source in the arid regions where Israel dwelled. More profoundly, the meticulous detail of the dietary laws, including the differentiation between various types of locusts, underscores the concept of holiness (קָדוֹשׁ, `{{H6918}}`) and separation. These laws were not arbitrary but served to teach Israel about purity, discernment, and their unique covenant relationship with God. Even a creature inherently linked to devastation could, by divine decree, be incorporated into the life of a holy people, illustrating that God's order and provision transcend typical human categorizations of desirable versus undesirable. This speaks to a God who cares for the physical needs of His people while simultaneously instructing them in spiritual truths through tangible means.
### Summary
The Hebrew word "çolʻâm" (H5556) designates a specific type of locust, whose etymological root suggests a powerful "crushing" or "consuming" nature. Despite this inherent destructiveness, its sole biblical appearance in [[Leviticus 11:22]] lists it among the few ritually clean winged insects permissible for consumption under the Mosaic Law. This unique inclusion highlights God's comprehensive and practical provision for His people, offering a viable food source even from creatures typically associated with plague. Furthermore, the precise classification within the dietary laws underscores the meticulous nature of divine instruction, which served to teach Israel about holiness, purity, and their distinct identity as God's covenant people. Thus, "çolʻâm" stands as a testament to God's sovereignty over all creation and His detailed care for His people, transforming a potential symbol of destruction into a divinely sanctioned source of sustenance.
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