חַלָּמוּת (chal.la.mut)

chal.la.mut

mallow

H2495 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun ḥallāmûṯ refers to purslane, a common plant known for its thick, slimy juice and mild flavor. In the ancient Near East, it was likely viewed as a humble or even tasteless food source rather than a delicacy.

This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 6:6. Job uses it to illustrate the emptiness of suffering without purpose, asking if bland food can be seasoned with such a plant. The comparison highlights how meaningless comfort feels when one’s soul is in despair.

Its presence in Job underscores the emotional weight of everyday imagery. By choosing a common, unremarkable plant, the text emphasizes that even simple things lose their value when life feels hollow.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word for mallow appears only once in Scripture, found in Job’s lament about his intense suffering. He asks if bland food can be seasoned with this plant, highlighting how hollow comfort feels when despair takes hold. It reminds us that even simple pleasures lose their meaning when we are deeply troubled.

This image invites you to bring your own moments of emptiness to God. When life feels tasteless or heavy, it is okay to acknowledge that pain. You do not need to pretend everything is fine when it isn’t. God meets you in those raw, honest places where even the smallest comforts seem insufficient.

There is hope in knowing that your feelings are seen. The Bible does not shy away from human sorrow but brings it into the light. May you find peace in the truth that your struggles matter to Him, and that He offers a sustenance deeper than any earthly comfort.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

purslane1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

חַלָּמֽוּת\׃1×

Key Verses

Job 6:6
Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

Job uses this plant to illustrate how suffering strips all flavor and meaning from even the simplest foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word 'mallow' mean in the Bible?

In Hebrew, it refers to purslane, a plant with mild, slimy juice. In Job 6:6, it represents food that lacks flavor and appeal.

Why is this word only mentioned once?

It appears solely in Job’s speech to emphasize the emptiness he feels. The rarity highlights how specific his despair was at that moment.

How does this relate to my own struggles?

It shows that even simple joys can feel hollow during deep sorrow. It validates your feelings when life seems tasteless or meaningless.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Job 1 verse

Job 6:6

Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?