חָשֻׁם (cha.shum)
cha.shum
Hashum
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hashum appears in the lists of those who returned from Babylonian exile, specifically in Ezra and Nehemiah. It identifies a man who served as the head of a family comprising 223 exiles. This group was part of the larger community that resettled Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
Hashum is also noted for his role in the religious restoration of the city. He is mentioned as one of the priests or Levites who stood on Ezra’s left side while the Law was read publicly to the assembled people (Nehemiah 8:4). This positioning highlights his active participation in the spiritual renewal of the community.
Lexical sources suggest the name may mean "rich" or "prosperous," though its primary biblical significance lies in its historical context. Hashum represents the ordinary faithful individuals who contributed to the rebuilding of Israel’s identity and worship after the exile, rather than a figure known for dramatic deeds or theological teaching.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hashum appears in the records of those who returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem. In Ezra and Nehemiah, he is listed as the head of a family that contributed to the resettlement of the city. These genealogies might seem like dry lists at first glance, but they remind us that God values every individual who participates in His work.
One of the most significant moments for Hashum comes in Nehemiah 8:4. He stood beside Ezra on the left side while the Law was read publicly to the people. This position shows his active role in the spiritual renewal of the community. It suggests that ordinary faithful people played a crucial part in restoring Israel’s identity and worship after the exile.
Hashum represents the quiet dedication of those who served without seeking fame. His presence in these texts encourages us to see our own contributions as meaningful. Whether leading a family or standing in support, every act of faithfulness matters to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hashum3×
- and/ Hashum1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָשֻׁ֔ם2×
- חָשֻׁ֑ם1×
- וְ/חָשֻׁ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:4
Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
This verse highlights Hashum's active participation in the public reading of the Law by placing him on Ezra's left side, showing his role in spiritual renewal.
-
Ezra 2:19
The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty-three.
This entry identifies Hashum as the head of a family of 223 exiles, marking his contribution to the initial return and resettlement under Zerubbabel.
-
Nehemiah 7:22
The children of Hashum: three hundred twenty-eight.
The census here lists 328 children of Hashum, reflecting the growth and stability of his family within the restored community.