חוּם (chum)
chum
darkened
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word chum describes a specific shade of dark color, typically rendered as dark brown or black. It is an adjective that appears only four times in the entire Old Testament, making it a rare lexical item with a very narrow scope.
Its usage is strictly limited to describing the coat of sheep. In Genesis 30:32 and 30:35, Jacob negotiates his wages by asking for all the dark-colored lambs from Laban’s flock. The text specifies that these were the chum animals, distinguishing them from the white or spotted ones.
This precise terminology highlights the practical nature of ancient pastoral life, where livestock color determined value and ownership. By focusing on this single visual detail, the narrative underscores the tangible reality of Jacob’s labor and the specific conditions of his agreement with Laban.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chum refers to a dark shade, often brown or black, used specifically to describe sheep in the Old Testament. It appears only four times, all within the story of Jacob and Laban. This rarity reminds us that God pays attention to the small, practical details of daily life.
In Genesis 30, Jacob asks for every dark-colored lamb as his wage. These were not just any animals; they were the chum sheep, distinct from the white or spotted ones. This specific request shows how God worked through ordinary negotiations and honest labor to provide for His people.
When you read this passage, notice how God honors fairness and hard work. The dark sheep became a sign of Jacob’s blessing. It is a gentle reminder that even in simple tasks, like tending flocks, God is present and active in your life today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dark [one]2×
- dark1×
- and/ dark1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ח֖וּם2×
- חוּם֙1×
- וְ/חוּם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:32
I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire.
This verse introduces the term by defining Jacob's wage as including every black sheep, establishing the specific value of this rare color.
-
Genesis 30:35
That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
Here the text confirms Laban removed all the black ones, showing how this distinct group was separated from the main flock for Jacob's benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chum mean?
Why is this word significant in Genesis 30?
How many times does chum appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Genesis 4 verses
I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among…
Genesis 30:33So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that…
Genesis 30:35That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and…
Genesis 30:40Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in Laban’s flock. He…