חָרַם (cha.ram)
cha.ram
to devote/destroy; to slash
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 46 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb charam carries a heavy weight, primarily meaning to devote something completely to destruction or to ban it from ordinary use. In the context of warfare and conquest, particularly in Joshua and Deuteronomy, it describes the total eradication of people or goods as an act of religious dedication. This is not merely vandalism; it is a formal severing of ties with the common world, setting the object apart for God by removing it from human circulation entirely.
A less common but striking usage appears in Leviticus 21:18, where charam describes physical mutilation, such as cutting off a nose or ear. This connection suggests that the core idea of the word is to cut, slit, or separate something decisively. Whether applied to property or bodies, the action marks a permanent boundary, removing what is charam from the community and its normal life.
The theological implication is stark: things under the ban are forfeited. They cannot be redeemed or used for personal gain. This concept underscores the seriousness of obedience in ancient Israelite law, where certain cities or items were set aside to demonstrate that God’s authority superseded all human claims. The word serves as a linguistic marker for absolute separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word charam describes a decisive act of separation. In ancient Israel, it meant setting something apart completely, often by removing it from ordinary use or destroying it entirely. This was not random violence but a solemn dedication to God’s authority. It marked a clear boundary between what belonged to the world and what belonged to the Lord.
For believers today, this concept highlights the seriousness of obedience. It reminds us that some things must be fully surrendered, leaving no room for compromise or personal gain. When we give ourselves wholly to God, we reflect that same absolute devotion. It is a call to live with integrity, where our choices clearly show who holds ultimate authority in our lives.
This word invites reflection on what we hold back versus what we offer fully. It challenges us to consider if there are areas of our hearts or habits that need to be set apart for God alone. Such dedication brings clarity and peace, knowing we are aligned with His will rather than our own desires.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 46 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he totally destroyed5×
- and/ they totally destroyed3×
- you will totally destroy2×
- we totally destroyed2×
- to totally destroy/ them2×
- they totally destroyed2×
- certainly <to totally destroy>2×
- by/ totally destroying/ them2×
- and/ you will totally destroy2×
- and/ we totally destroyed2×
- you will totally destroy/ them1×
- you totally destroyed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַֽ/יַּחֲרִ֙ימוּ֙2×
- הֶחֱרִ֔ים2×
- תַּחֲרִימֵ֗/ם1×
- תַּחֲרִים֙1×
- תַּחֲרִֽימוּ\׃1×
- תַּחֲרִ֖ימוּ1×
- לְ/הַֽחֲרִימָ֑/ם1×
- לְ/הַחֲרִימָ֑/ם1×
- לְ/הַחֲרִ֣ים1×
- לְ/הַֽחֲרִימָ֑/ם1×
- יָחֳרַ֛ם1×
- יָחֳרַ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 27:28
“‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed. Everything that is permanently devoted is most holy to Yahweh.
This verse establishes that devoted items cannot be sold or redeemed, showing the finality of the separation from ordinary use.
-
Joshua 6:18
But as for you, only keep yourselves from what is devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so you would make the camp of Israel accursed and trouble it.
Here the word warns against taking devoted things for personal gain, linking obedience directly to the community's well-being.
-
Deuteronomy 7:2
and when Yahweh your God delivers them up before you, and you strike them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them.
The command to utterly destroy enemy cities underscores that this act was a specific divine mandate, not general warfare strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word charam mean?
How is charam different from general destruction?
Why is this word important in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (46 verses across 15 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
For whatever man he is that has a defect, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or…
Leviticus 27:28“‘Notwithstanding, no devoted thing that a man devotes to Yahweh of all that he has, whether of man or animal, or of…
Leviticus 27:29“‘No one devoted to destruction, who shall be devoted from among men, shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to…