חֶמְדָּה (chem.dah)
chem.dah
desire; desirable thing
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun chemdah refers to a strong desire or, more commonly in Scripture, to the object of that longing: something highly prized or desirable. It captures the sense of preciousness attached to what is sought after. The word appears nineteen times in the Hebrew Bible, with significant usage in Jeremiah, Daniel, and Second Chronicles.
A clear example of its meaning is found in Jeremiah 3:19, where God expresses His desire for Israel as a pleasant land, using chemdah to describe their value to Him. In Daniel 9:18, the term appears in a plea for God’s favor, asking that He turn away His anger from Jerusalem, which is described as His delight or precious possession.
This word often carries a theological weight, highlighting the mutual relationship between God and His people. It is not merely about personal want but reflects a deep, covenantal affection. Translators typically render it as "desire," "precious thing," or "delight," depending on the context to convey the intensity of the attachment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chemdah points to something deeply cherished, whether as a strong longing or the precious object itself. In Scripture, it often describes God’s tender affection for His people, portraying them as a delightful inheritance rather than a burden. This shifts our focus from what we merely want to who holds us dear.
When Jeremiah speaks of God desiring to place Israel in a pleasant land, he reveals a divine heart that values relationship above possession. We are invited to see ourselves through this lens: not as accidental inhabitants, but as the object of intentional love. This assurance grounds our identity in His steadfast care.
Even when we face uncertainty, remembering that we are greatly beloved offers profound comfort. The text reminds us that our worth is established by the One who created us, allowing us to rest in a security that no circumstance can shake.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- desire5×
- preciousness<es>2×
- preciousness2×
- the/ desirableness<es>1×
- preciousness of1×
- desire/ their1×
- desire/ my1×
- desirableness<es>1×
- [the] precious thing of1×
- [the] desire of1×
- [are] precious1×
- <the>/ desire1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶמְדָּֽה\׃3×
- חֶמְדַּ֣ת3×
- חֶמְדָּ֔ה2×
- חֶמְדָּתָ֜/ם1×
- חֶמְדָּתִ֖/י1×
- חֶמְדָּ֖ה1×
- חֶמְדָּ֑ה1×
- חֶמְדַּ֥ת1×
- חֲמוּד֖וֹת1×
- חֲמֻד֞וֹת1×
- חֲמֻד֛וֹת1×
- חֲ֠מֻדוֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 3:19
“But I said, ‘How I desire to put you among the children, and give you a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the armies of the nations!’ and I said, ‘You shall call me “My Father”, and shall not turn away from following me.’
God uses this term to express His deep desire to give Israel a heritage, highlighting the value He places on their relationship with Him.
-
Daniel 10:11
He said to me, “Daniel, you greatly beloved man, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have been sent to you, now.” When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
An angel addresses Daniel as a 'greatly beloved man,' showing that this word describes the high esteem in which God holds His faithful servants.
-
Haggai 2:7
and I will shake all nations. The treasure of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies.
The prophecy promises that the treasure of all nations will come, indicating that chemdah can refer to the desirable wealth brought into God's presence.
-
I Samuel 9:20
As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don’t set your mind on them, for they have been found. For whom does all Israel desire? Is it not you and all your father’s house?”
Saul’s servant uses the word to ask whom all Israel desires, framing it as a term for someone highly prized by the community.