חַמֹּת דֹּאר (cham.mot dor)
cham.mot dor
Hammoth-dor
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Chammoth-dor refers to a Levitical city located in the territory of Naphtali, as recorded in Joshua 21:32. The name translates literally to "hot springs of Dor," indicating that the settlement was likely situated near thermal waters or geothermal features in the region.
This place is identified as another name for Hammath (Hammath), suggesting a local distinction or perhaps a specific district within the broader area known by the shorter name. Its inclusion in the list of cities assigned to the Levites highlights its role in providing dwelling places for those set apart for religious service, rather than serving as a major political or military center.
With only this single occurrence in the biblical text, the word serves primarily as a geographical marker. It anchors the narrative of land distribution by pinpointing a specific location where the priestly families resided, offering readers a tangible sense of the physical landscape described in the book of Joshua.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about the division of the Promised Land in Joshua, it is easy to focus only on battles or kings. Yet here, in a quiet list of Levitical cities, we find Hammoth-dor. This place, meaning "hot springs," was not a military stronghold but a home for those serving God in the tabernacle and temple. It reminds us that God cares about the daily lives of His servants, providing them with stable communities where they could dwell near water and rest.
This detail invites us to see faithfulness in the ordinary. The Levites did not own land like the other tribes; their inheritance was the Lord Himself, supported by these designated cities. For you, this suggests that your own "inheritance" is found in being set apart for God's service, wherever He places you. Whether in a bustling city or a quiet town, your life has purpose when it is anchored in His presence.
Even small, seemingly insignificant details in Scripture point to God's provision. Hammoth-dor stands as a testament to the fact that every place and person matters in His plan. We can take comfort knowing that God prepares specific places for those who serve Him, ensuring they have what they need to fulfill their calling with peace and stability.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hammoth1×
- Dor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַמֹּ֥ת1×
- דֹּאר֙1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 21:32
Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Hammothdor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities.
This verse lists Hammoth-dor as one of three cities given to the Levites from Naphtali, highlighting its role as a residential center for religious service rather than a political capital.