חַמַּת (cham.mat)
cham.mat
Hammath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Hammath, meaning “hot spring,” appears in Scripture in two distinct contexts. As a place name, it identifies one of the fortified cities allotted to the tribe of Naphtali, as recorded in Joshua 19:35. The term likely refers to a location known for its geothermal features or mineral waters.
It also serves as the personal name of an ancestor in Judah. This Hammath is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:55 as the father of Rechab and the progenitor of the house of Rechab, a lineage noted for its distinct traditions during the period of the Divided Monarchy.
Though brief, these references anchor the word in both geography and genealogy. The shared meaning of “hot spring” connects a territorial landmark with a familial line, illustrating how place names often carried descriptive significance in ancient Israelite culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hammath points to a place defined by warmth, specifically a hot spring or thermal bath. In the ancient landscape of Israel, such sites were not merely geographical markers but vital resources for healing and community life. When the tribe of Naphtali received their inheritance, this fortified city was included among their towns, anchoring their identity in a specific, tangible location.
Beyond geography, the name appears in genealogies as an ancestor of the Rechabites. This lineage is known for its strict adherence to tradition and covenant loyalty. The connection between a warm, life-sustaining spring and a family committed to faithful living offers a quiet reminder that our roots—whether in place or in heritage—can shape our spiritual posture.
For you, this word invites reflection on the foundations of your faith. Just as Hammath was a source of physical warmth and stability, your trust in God provides a steady, life-giving presence. It is comforting to know that even small details in Scripture, like a name or a town, are preserved to show us how deeply God cares for history and for those who walk with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Hammath1×
- and/ Hammath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/חַמַּ֖ת1×
- וְ/חַמַּ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:35
The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,
This verse places Hammath within the territorial inheritance of Naphtali, showing it as a fortified community essential to the tribe's security and identity.
-
I Chronicles 2:55
The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab.
Here Hammath is identified as the progenitor of the Rechabites, linking the name to a lineage noted for its distinct covenant loyalty during the divided monarchy.