### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5569}}` (çâmâr) is presented with the base definition "from סָמַר; bristling, i.e. shaggy; rough." This definition points to an adjectival quality, describing a state of being rather than an action. It is derived from the verbal root סָמַר (samar), which means "to bristle," "to stand on end," or "to shudder."
The semantic range of `{{H5569}}` thus encompasses:
1. **Bristling:** Pertaining to hair or skin that stands upright, often due to cold, fear, or strong emotion. This suggests an agitated or heightened state.
2. **Shaggy:** Describing a rough, unkempt, or hairy appearance, reminiscent of something that is perpetually bristled or uncombed.
3. **Rough:** Implying a coarse, uneven, or harsh texture, which could be a physical quality or, metaphorically, a difficult or unyielding characteristic.
At its core, `{{H5569}}` conveys a sense of intense physical reaction or an unrefined, unyielding quality, stemming from the root idea of standing stiffly on end.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the provided definition for `{{H5569}}` points to an adjectival sense ("bristling, shaggy, rough"), the lemma סָמָר (çâmâr) itself appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, and there it functions as a verb, specifically the Qal perfect 3ms form of סָמַר. This sole occurrence, however, perfectly illustrates the underlying concept from which the adjectival definition is drawn.
In [[Psalm 119:120]], the Psalmist declares: "My flesh trembles for fear of you; and I am afraid of your judgments" (KJV). The Hebrew reads: "סָמַר פַּחְדְּךָ בְשָׂרִי וּמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶיךָ יָרֵאתִי" (samar paḥdəḵā bəśārî ūmimmišpāṭeḵā yārēṯî).
Here, סָמַר is translated as "trembles" or "bristles." The phrase "My flesh bristles from your fear" vividly depicts a physical reaction to profound awe and reverence for God's judgments. This "bristling" is precisely the physical state described by the adjectival definition of `{{H5569}}`. It is a visceral, uncontrollable response, signifying deep reverence and holy dread in the presence of divine truth and justice. The skin literally "stands on end" (goosebumps), a manifestation of intense emotion.
Thus, although `{{H5569}}` is a verbal form in its only biblical appearance, it directly conveys the "bristling" aspect of its adjectival definition, highlighting a physical manifestation of awe and fear before the divine. The other aspects, "shaggy" or "rough," are not directly attested in this context but logically extend from the concept of "bristling" as a persistent state.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept encapsulated by `{{H5569}}`—a physical reaction to intense emotion, particularly fear or awe—connects with several other Hebrew terms:
* **Words for Fear and Trembling:**
* `{{H2729}}` (ḥārad): To tremble, be terrified, often in the presence of God or a powerful manifestation (e.g., [[Genesis 27:33]], [[Exodus 19:16]]). This word often describes a more generalized shaking or trembling.
* `{{H7461}}` (rāʿad): To tremble, quake, shiver, often from fear or weakness (e.g., [[1 Samuel 14:15]], [[Psalm 104:32]]). It can describe the trembling of the earth or people.
* `{{H2119}}` (zāḥal): To be afraid, shrink back, or crawl (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:24]], [[Micah 7:17]]). This term implies a cowering or recoiling from danger.
While these terms describe general fear or trembling, `{{H5569}}` (samar) specifically focuses on the "bristling" or "standing on end" of the flesh, a more precise physiological response.
* **Words for Roughness or Hairiness:**
* `{{H5452}}` (sa'ar): Hairy, rough. This adjective describes a physical characteristic, famously applied to Esau (e.g., [[Genesis 27:11]], [[Genesis 27:23]]).
* `{{H8181}}` (śāʿîr): Hairy, shaggy, often referring to a goat or a satyr (e.g., [[Leviticus 4:24]], [[Isaiah 13:21]]).
These words share the "shaggy" or "rough" aspect of `{{H5569}}`'s definition, but `{{H5569}}` uniquely carries the nuance of "bristling" as a dynamic, reactive state.
The singular usage of `{{H5569}}` in [[Psalm 119:120]] highlights its specific contribution to the lexicon of human emotion, emphasizing a unique, almost epidermal, response to the divine.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5569}}`, particularly as manifested in [[Psalm 119:120]], lies in its portrayal of *yirah* (fear/awe) before God. The Psalmist's flesh "bristling" or "standing on end" is not merely a reaction of terror, but a profound physical manifestation of reverential awe in the face of God's holy judgments.
1. **Reverential Awe:** The bristling of the flesh signifies a deep, visceral respect for God's holiness and justice. It is an involuntary, undeniable physical response to the overwhelming reality of divine authority and truth. This kind of fear is not one that drives away from God, but one that draws the worshiper into a deeper, more humble relationship.
2. **Impact of God's Word/Judgments:** The Psalmist states his flesh bristles "from your fear" and that he is "afraid of your judgments." This illustrates the potent, life-altering power of God's decrees and the very thought of His divine presence. It suggests that God's word and His justice are not abstract concepts but living realities that penetrate to the very core of one's being, eliciting a raw, physical response.
3. **Authenticity of Response:** The physical nature of "bristling" underscores the authenticity and depth of the Psalmist's piety. It is not a superficial or intellectual assent, but a whole-person response—mind, soul, and body—to the majesty of God. This physical reaction signifies a state of humility and submission before the divine.
The adjectival sense of "rough" or "shaggy" could metaphorically point to the unyielding or severe nature of divine judgment, or the unrefined state of humanity before God's refining power, but the direct biblical usage of the root strongly emphasizes the "bristling" of awe.
### Summary
`{{H5569}}` (çâmâr) is an ancient Hebrew term whose base definition describes a state of being "bristling, shaggy, or rough," derived from the verb "to stand on end" or "to shudder." Although its primary biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 119:120]] is as a verb, "my flesh bristles," it powerfully illustrates the adjectival concept. This "bristling" signifies a profound, involuntary physical reaction of reverential awe and holy fear in the presence of God's judgments and His awesome nature. It speaks to the deep, visceral impact of divine truth on the human person, demonstrating an authentic and humble response to the majesty of the Almighty. The word thus encapsulates a unique aspect of *yirah*, highlighting a physical manifestation of deep spiritual respect and submission.
TRV