χαμαί (chamai)
chamai
on the ground
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb chamai describes a position or movement directly onto the earth, meaning "on the ground" or "to the ground." In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the Gospel of John, anchoring specific physical actions in a literal, earthly location.
This word highlights the tangible reality of Jesus’ ministry. It is used when he spits on the ground to make mud for healing a blind man (John 9:6), an act that involves direct contact with the soil. It also appears during Jesus’ arrest, when the soldiers step back and fall to the ground in response to his authority (John 18:6). In both cases, chamai emphasizes the physical interaction between people and the earth.
The term likely derives from a root suggesting a fissure or crack in the soil, pointing to the surface itself. By using this specific word, the text underscores the material nature of these events. Jesus does not act in a vacuum; he engages with the ground, whether creating something from it or commanding those who stand upon it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chamai reminds us that God is not distant from the physical world. In John 9, Jesus uses saliva and dirt to heal a blind man. This simple act shows that He cares about our bodies and the earth we walk on. Faith is not just about spiritual ideas; it involves real, tangible actions in our daily lives.
Similarly, in John 18, soldiers fall to the ground when Jesus speaks His name. This event highlights His authority over creation itself. The ground beneath us is part of His domain. We can trust that He is present in every detail of our existence, whether in moments of healing or times of awe.
This word invites us to see God’s work in the ordinary. It encourages a faith that is grounded and real. We do not need to look far for evidence of His power; it is often found in the simple, physical realities of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to [the] ground.1×
- on [the] ground1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χαμαί.¶1×
- χαμαὶ1×
Key Verses
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John 9:6
When he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud,
This verse shows Jesus using chamai to describe making mud with saliva, highlighting His hands-on approach to healing and the value of physical creation.
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John 18:6
When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward and fell to the ground.
Here, chamai describes the soldiers falling backward, demonstrating the overwhelming authority of Jesus that causes even armed men to physically submit to the ground.