חָסַם (cha.sam)
cha.sam
to muzzle
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chasam means to block or seal an opening, most commonly applied to putting a muzzle on an animal’s mouth. Its primary sense is physical obstruction, preventing something from passing through a specific point.
In Scripture, this word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 25:4. There it commands that a threshing ox must not be muzzled while it works. This usage highlights a principle of fairness and provision, ensuring the worker receives sustenance during labor rather than being deprived of the fruits of their effort.
The term conveys a clear image of restriction. By forbidding the act of muzzle-ing the ox, the text emphasizes that those who perform necessary work deserve to benefit from it. The word’s singular occurrence underscores the specific legal and ethical weight given to this practice in ancient Israelite law.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The image of a threshing ox moving in circles, crushing grain underfoot, is vivid and ancient. In Deuteronomy 25:4, God commands that this animal must not be muzzled while it works. This was not just about animal welfare; it was a profound lesson in justice. The worker, whether beast or human, deserves to eat from the fruits of their labor. It is a simple but powerful reminder that provision and reward are tied to effort.
For your faith life, this word invites you to consider the fairness inherent in God’s design. Whether you are working with your hands or your mind, there is dignity in receiving sustenance for your toil. It also points toward a broader spiritual truth: those who serve in ministry and community should be supported. God cares about the details of how people are treated, ensuring that no one is exploited or left without hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will muzzle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַחְסֹ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 25:4
You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the grain.
This verse establishes the legal principle that a worker must be allowed to benefit from their labor, using the ox as a concrete example of fair treatment.