חָמַם (cha.mam)
cha.mam
to warm
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chamam describes the process of becoming hot or growing warm. In its simplest form, it refers to physical heat rising, such as a body warming up after exertion or an environment heating up. The sources indicate it is used literally for temperature changes, capturing the natural shift from coolness to warmth.
Beyond the physical, the word carries significant figurative weight. It appears in poetic contexts to describe intense passion or arousal, particularly in relation to conception and fertility. This metaphorical use suggests that the heat of the body mirrors the intensity of desire or creative power. In some passages, it describes a person inflaming themselves with zeal, sometimes negatively when referring to idolatry.
The verb also has practical applications in ancient domestic life. One specific usage involves keeping eggs warm, likely by placing them under a hen or in a warm spot to encourage hatching. This concrete image highlights the word’s connection to nurturing and preservation through heat. Translators often render it as "warm" or "grow hot," depending on whether the context is physical, emotional, or biological.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This Hebrew word captures the simple yet profound reality of warmth. It describes physical heat, like the sun melting manna or a body growing warm after exertion. But it also speaks to deeper human needs: the comfort of two people lying together against the cold, or the nurturing care that keeps new life safe and developing. In these moments, warmth is not just temperature; it is presence, protection, and life.
Yet the word carries a warning too. It can describe hearts inflamed with anger or zeal for idols. The same heat that sustains life can consume it if misdirected. Scripture invites us to seek the warmth that preserves rather than destroys—the warmth of faithful community, of God’s sustaining presence, and of love that protects the vulnerable.
When you feel cold or isolated, remember this image: warmth comes through connection. Whether through the care of others, the comfort of shared faith, or the steady presence of God, you are not meant to face life’s chill alone. Let your heart be warmed by what endures.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ it will be warm2×
- will it be warm1×
- who/ inflame yourselves1×
- when/ getting heated/ they1×
- to/ warm/ them1×
- to/ be warm1×
- they are hot1×
- it will be hot1×
- it was warm1×
- it keeps [them] warm1×
- is hot1×
- in/ heat/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תְּחַמֵּֽם\׃1×
- לַ/חְמָ֔/ם1×
- לְ/חֹ֣ם1×
- יָחֹם֙1×
- יֵחָֽם\׃1×
- יֵחַם֮1×
- יֵחַ֙מּוּ֙1×
- יִתְחַמָּֽם\׃1×
- יִחַ֖ם1×
- חֹ֣ם1×
- חַמּוֹתִ֖י1×
- וַ/יָּ֖חָם1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 4:34
He went up and lay on the child, and put his mouth on his mouth, and his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. He stretched himself on him; and the child’s flesh grew warm.
This verse shows the word describing physical warmth returning to a child’s body, symbolizing restoration and life through prophetic intercession.
-
Ecclesiastes 4:11
Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?
Here warmth represents mutual care and companionship as essential for survival in hardship, highlighting the value of community.
-
Deuteronomy 19:6
Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the man slayer while hot anger is in his heart and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him mortally, even though he was not worthy of death, because he didn’t hate him in time past.
The word describes anger 'growing hot' in the heart, illustrating how uncontrolled passion can lead to destructive action.
-
Job 31:20
if his heart hasn’t blessed me, if he hasn’t been warmed with my sheep’s fleece;
This occurrence links warmth with tangible care, showing that blessing others includes providing for their physical comfort and well-being.