חֲמוֹר (cha.mor)
cha.mor
donkey
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 85 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The noun chamor refers to a male ass, a domesticated beast of burden common in the ancient Near East. Its name likely derives from the reddish or dun color typical of these animals, distinguishing it by its hue as much as its function. In Scripture, this animal appears frequently as a symbol of humility and practical labor, often accompanying patriarchs on journeys or serving as a means of transport for ordinary people.
While generally viewed as a lowly creature, the chamor holds significant theological weight in specific narratives. The most striking example occurs when Balaam’s donkey sees an angel that the prophet cannot perceive, speaking to rebuke its master (Numbers 22:28). This unusual event highlights God’s ability to use even the most humble creatures to deliver His message and correct human blindness.
Translators consistently render chamor as "ass" or "donkey," preserving the distinction from wilder equines. The word appears in lists of property and inheritance, such as when Jacob blesses his son Judah by comparing him to a colt tied to a vine (Genesis 49:11-12), suggesting both peace and prosperity. Its presence in the Law, including commands to help an enemy’s fallen donkey (Exodus 23:5), underscores its role as a neighbor worthy of compassion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chamor refers to a male donkey, an animal central to daily life in the ancient world. These creatures were not merely beasts of burden but symbols of peace and humility. When leaders rode horses, they signaled war; when they rode donkeys, they signaled a desire for reconciliation. This distinction helps us understand why Jesus chose a donkey for his entry into Jerusalem, embracing a path of humble service rather than political power.
Scripture also highlights the chamor’s role in teaching compassion and justice. The Law commanded Israelites to help an enemy’s donkey if it fell under its load, showing that care for vulnerable creatures is part of faithful living. Even in moments of crisis, like Abraham’s journey to Mount Moriah, the donkey stood as a quiet witness to obedience. These animals remind us that God values humility and practical kindness.
In our own lives, we can learn from this imagery. True strength often looks like gentle service. Whether we are carrying heavy loads or simply trying to do right by others, chamor invites us to embrace a posture of humility. It is a reminder that God uses the lowly things of the world to accomplish His purposes, calling us to trust in His plan rather than our own status.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 85 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ donkey17×
- a donkey11×
- and/ donkeys7×
- the/ donkeys5×
- donkeys5×
- donkey/ his4×
- donkeys/ their3×
- and/ the/ donkey3×
- [the] donkey of3×
- and/ donkey[s]2×
- and/ donkey/ your2×
- and/ donkey/ his2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/חֲמ֔וֹר7×
- הַ/חֲמ֑וֹר5×
- חֲמֹר֔/וֹ3×
- חֲמ֖וֹר3×
- וַ/חֲמֹרִ֕ים3×
- חֲמוֹר֙2×
- חֲמ֨וֹר2×
- חֲמ֣וֹר2×
- וַ/חֲמֹרִֽים\׃2×
- וַ/חֲמֹר֔/וֹ2×
- וַ/חֲמ֖וֹר2×
- הַ/חֲמֹרִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 22:5
Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and come back to you.”
Abraham leaves the donkey behind while he and Isaac go to worship, highlighting the donkey as a steady companion in the journey of faith.
-
Exodus 23:5
If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him. You shall surely help him with it.
This verse commands helping an enemy's fallen donkey, showing that chamor is a symbol of neighborly duty that extends even to those we dislike.
-
Genesis 49:14
“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.
Jacob describes Issachar as a strong donkey lying between saddlebags, using the animal to illustrate the tension between hard labor and the desire for rest.
-
Exodus 13:13
Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your sons.
The firstborn donkey must be redeemed with a lamb, indicating that chamor holds a special status in Israel's ritual life as an unclean animal requiring substitution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chamor mean?
Why is the donkey significant in the Bible?
How is chamor different from other animal terms?
What does Exodus 23:5 teach about chamor?
Every Occurrence (85 verses across 19 books)
Genesis 16 verses
He dealt well with Abram for her sake. He had sheep, cattle, male donkeys, male servants, female servants, female…
Genesis 22:3Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son.…
Genesis 22:5Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there. We will worship, and come…
Genesis 24:35Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. Yahweh has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male…
Genesis 30:43The man increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 34:28They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, that which was in the city, that which was in the field,
Genesis 36:24These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed…
Genesis 42:26They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there.
Genesis 42:27As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey food in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the…
Genesis 43:18The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was…
Genesis 43:24The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys…
Genesis 44:3As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys.
Genesis 44:13Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.
Genesis 45:23He sent the following to his father: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded…
Genesis 47:17They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and…
Genesis 49:14“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.