חוֹמָה (cho.mah)
cho.mah
wall
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 99 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun cho-mah denotes a wall, specifically one that serves as a barrier or shield. Its root implies joining or surrounding, which explains why it describes the fortified boundaries of cities like Jerusalem in Nehemiah 2:17 and 3:8. It also appears in poetic imagery, such as the waters of the Red Sea forming a wall on either side in Exodus 14:22 and 29.
While most often referring to physical stone structures protecting towns, the word carries metaphorical weight. In Song of Solomon 8:9, a young woman is described as having walls if she remains chaste, suggesting that integrity acts as a protective barrier against intrusion. Conversely, Jeremiah 1:18 portrays the prophet himself as a fortified city with brazen walls, indicating divine strength and resilience.
Translators consistently render this term as "wall," capturing its dual role as both a literal construction and a symbol of security. The frequent use in historical books like Kings and Chronicles highlights its importance in understanding the political and spiritual state of Israel, where the presence or absence of walls often signaled safety or vulnerability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cho-mah describes more than just stone blocks stacked together; it signifies a boundary that offers protection and defines safety. In ancient Israel, walls were essential for survival, shielding communities from external threats and chaos. When we read about these structures in Scripture, we see them as symbols of God’s care, providing a secure place for His people to dwell. This physical reality helps us understand how much value God places on the safety and well-being of His children.
Yet this word also carries deep spiritual meaning. In Exodus, the waters formed a wall around Israel, showing that God Himself can be our shield in impossible situations. Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah was told he would be like a fortified city with brazen walls, indicating that divine strength resides within those who trust in Him. We are invited to see our faith as a protective barrier against fear and despair, grounded not in our own power but in God’s presence.
For your daily life, this imagery offers comfort. Whether you feel exposed or overwhelmed, remember that God builds walls of protection around His people. You do not have to face every challenge alone. His strength becomes your security, allowing you to stand firm with peace in your heart and hope for the future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 99 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ wall23×
- [the] wall of13×
- the/ city wall7×
- walls/ your6×
- a wall6×
- [the] walls of6×
- the/ two walls4×
- on/ [the] wall of4×
- to the/ wall3×
- [was] a wall3×
- walls/ its2×
- walls2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חוֹמַ֣ת9×
- הַ/חוֹמָֽה\׃6×
- הַ/חוֹמָ֔ה4×
- בְּ/חוֹמַ֣ת4×
- חוֹמַ֥ת3×
- הַֽ/חוֹמָ֔ה3×
- הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה3×
- לַ/חוֹמָ֑ה2×
- חוֹמָ֥ה2×
- חוֹמָ֣ה2×
- חוֹמָ֔ה2×
- חוֹמָ֑ה2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:22
The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
This verse shows God using natural elements as a protective barrier, demonstrating His power to create safety where none seemed possible.
-
Joshua 6:20
So the people shouted and the priests blew the trumpets. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight in front of him, and they took the city.
Here the wall falls at God’s command, illustrating that human defenses are secondary to divine intervention and obedience.
-
I Samuel 25:16
They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.
Abigail’s servants acted as a wall for David, highlighting how faithful community provides practical protection and support in times of need.
-
II Kings 6:26
As the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried to him, saying, “Help, my lord, O king!”
The king standing on the wall during siege reflects the vulnerability of leaders and the desperate reality when defenses are tested by famine and war.