חֹ֫מֶשׁ (cho.mesh)
cho.mesh
belly
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun cho.mesh refers to the belly or abdomen in Hebrew. It appears only four times in the Old Testament, with three occurrences concentrated in Second Samuel. This rarity makes its usage in those specific contexts particularly notable for understanding the physical and emotional state of the characters involved.
In these passages, the word describes a visceral reaction to distress. For example, in 2 Samuel 18:9, Absalom’s head gets caught in an oak tree, and his armor-bearer hesitates to kill him because he fears King David’s anger. The text notes that Absalom’s heart was troubled, but it is the physical description of his belly or midsection that anchors the scene in bodily reality. Another instance in 2 Samuel 18:14 describes Joab striking Absalom, where the term highlights the vulnerability of the human body.
The word’s limited range and concrete nature emphasize the tangible suffering of biblical figures. It does not carry abstract theological weight but serves as a stark reminder of physical mortality and the immediate impact of violence or grief on the human frame.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word cho.mesh points to the belly, the soft center of our physical existence. It appears only four times in Scripture, always in contexts of sudden violence and death. These rare occurrences remind us that faith is not lived in a vacuum but within fragile bodies subject to pain and mortality.
When Scripture mentions this part of the body, it highlights the raw reality of human suffering. It grounds spiritual truths in flesh and blood, showing that God sees our physical struggles as well as our inner thoughts. This word invites us to acknowledge our vulnerability without fear, trusting that our Creator cares for the whole person.
Reflecting on these verses can deepen your empathy for others who suffer. It encourages a gentle approach to life’s hardships, recognizing that every person carries their own weight of pain. May you find comfort in knowing that your physical existence is known and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ belly4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/חֹ֜מֶשׁ1×
- הַ/חֹ֗מֶשׁ1×
- הַ/חֹ֔מֶשׁ1×
- הַ/חֹ֑מֶשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 2:23
However, he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there and died in the same place. As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
This verse uses the term to describe the fatal wound inflicted on Asahel, emphasizing the finality of the violence.
-
II Samuel 3:27
When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and struck him there in the body, so that he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.
Here the word marks the treacherous killing of Abner, anchoring the political betrayal in a physical act of harm.
-
II Samuel 4:6
They came there into the middle of the house as though they would have fetched wheat, and they struck him in the body; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
The term appears during the assassination of Ish-bosheth, highlighting the sudden intrusion of violence into domestic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word cho.mesh mean?
How many times does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in its context?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
II Samuel 4 verses
However, he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the…
II Samuel 3:27When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and…
II Samuel 4:6They came there into the middle of the house as though they would have fetched wheat, and they struck him in the body;…
II Samuel 20:10But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the body and shed out his…