feminine of active participle of קוּם; something that rises, i.e. a stalk of grain; (standing) corn, grown up, stalk.
Transliteration:qâmâh
Pronunciation:kuw-maw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קָמָה (`{{H7054}}`), transliterated as *qâmâh*, is a feminine noun derived from the active participle of the verb קוּם (`{{H6965}}`), meaning "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." Its base definition, therefore, refers to "something that rises" or "that which stands." In its specific biblical usage, קָמָה denotes a "stalk of grain" or "standing corn," referring to the grain that has grown mature and is standing in the field, either ready for harvest or already harvested as a stalk. The semantic range is quite focused, primarily indicating the mature, upright form of cereal crops, particularly in a field setting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קָמָה (`{{H7054}}`) appears in a limited number of Old Testament passages, consistently within agricultural contexts, specifically related to grain and harvest.
* **Deuteronomy 16:9**: "You shall count seven weeks for yourself; you shall begin to count seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain (קָמָה)." Here, קָמָה marks the precise point in the agricultural calendar when the grain is mature enough for harvesting, signaling the commencement of the counting period leading to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). This highlights its significance in Israel's liturgical and agricultural life, linking the natural cycle to divine command.
* **Judges 15:5**: "When he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing grain (קָמָה) of the Philistines and burned up both the shocks and the standing grain, along with the olive orchards." This verse illustrates the immense value of קָמָה as a primary food source and economic asset. Samson's act of destruction by fire targeting the "standing grain" underscores its vulnerability and the devastating impact such an act would have on a society dependent on its harvest. The phrase "shocks and the standing grain" suggests the destruction of both the harvested bundles and the unharvested crop still in the field.
* **Isaiah 17:5**: "And it shall be as when the reaper gathers the standing grain (קָמָה), and his arm harvests the ears; and it shall be as when one gleans ears in the Valley of Rephaim." In this prophetic context, קָמָה is used in a simile to describe the thoroughness of divine judgment upon Damascus and Israel. The image of a reaper gathering the קָמָה and leaving little behind, akin to gleaning, powerfully conveys the idea of a complete and devastating removal or destruction, leaving only remnants. This shifts the term from a purely literal description to a potent metaphor for divine judgment and desolation.
Across these occurrences, קָמָה consistently refers to the mature grain in the field, whether for righteous harvesting, malicious destruction, or as a metaphor for divine action.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of קָמָה (`{{H7054}}`) is enriched by its relationship to its verbal root and other agricultural terms:
* **קוּם (`{{H6965}}`)**: The foundational verb meaning "to rise," "to stand," or "to arise." This root emphasizes the upright, mature state of the grain, distinguishing it from seeds or fallen stalks.
* **קָצִיר (`{{H7105}}`)**: "Harvest" or "harvest time." קָמָה is the object of the harvest, the very thing that is reaped during the קָצִיר.
* **שִׁבֹּלֶת (`{{H7641}}`)**: "Ear of grain." While קָמָה refers to the entire stalk, שִׁבֹּלֶת specifies the part containing the kernels.
* **עֹמֶר (`{{H6016}}`)**: "Sheaf" or "omer" (a measure). This refers to bundles of harvested grain, which would have been קָמָה before being cut and bound.
* **קָצַר (`{{H7114}}`)**: "To reap" or "to cut off." This is the action performed upon the קָמָה during harvest.
* **מָגָל (`{{H4038}}`)**: "Sickle." The tool used to cut the קָמָה.
These terms collectively paint a picture of the ancient Israelite agricultural economy, where קָמָה was a central and vital element.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קָמָה (`{{H7054}}`) is deeply interwoven with themes of divine provision, covenant, and judgment.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance**: קָמָה represents a fundamental aspect of God's provision for His people. The grain standing in the field is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness in sustaining life, providing food and livelihood. Its abundance is a blessing, a testament to God's care for His creation.
* **Covenant Obedience and Blessing**: The command in [[Deuteronomy 16:9]] to begin counting from the moment the sickle is put to the קָמָה highlights the integration of agricultural cycles into Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The proper observance of feasts and offerings (like the firstfruits of the harvest, [[Leviticus 23:10-14]]) was tied to the successful growth and harvest of קָמָה, signifying that agricultural prosperity was contingent upon and a sign of covenant obedience.
* **Vulnerability and Judgment**: The destruction of קָמָה by Samson in [[Judges 15:5]] illustrates the vulnerability of this vital resource to human conflict. More profoundly, in [[Isaiah 17:5]], the image of a thoroughly reaped קָמָה becomes a powerful metaphor for divine judgment. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to bring about complete desolation, leaving nothing behind, much like a field stripped bare by the reaper. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God.
* **The Cycle of Life and Death**: While not explicitly stated, the קָמָה embodies the cycle of life, growth, and eventual "death" (harvest) that leads to sustenance. This natural rhythm reflects divine order and the continuous renewal of life through agricultural processes.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קָמָה (`{{H7054}}`) denotes "standing grain" or "stalk," deriving from the root קוּם (`{{H6965}}`), meaning "to rise" or "to stand." It specifically refers to mature grain in the field, ready for harvest, or the harvested stalks themselves. Its occurrences in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 16:9]], [[Judges 15:5]], [[Isaiah 17:5]]) consistently place it within agricultural contexts, particularly related to harvest, sustenance, and vulnerability. Theologically, קָמָה underscores God's faithful provision for humanity, the importance of agricultural cycles within Israel's covenant life, and serves as a powerful image for divine judgment and complete desolation when used metaphorically. It symbolizes both the bounty of the land as a divine blessing and its susceptibility to both human and divine action.
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