יַחְמוּר (yach.mur)

yach.mur

roebuck

H3180 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-M

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun yachmur refers to a roebuck, a specific type of deer noted for its reddish coat. This single word appears only once in the entire Old Testament, located in Deuteronomy 14:5 within the list of animals permitted for food. Its inclusion alongside species like gazelle and wild ox highlights the variety of game available in the ancient landscape.

Lexical sources suggest the term likely describes a reddish-colored deer, though some scholars note it may refer to an extinct animal whose exact identity is now lost. Because the word is so rare, its precise zoological classification remains uncertain, but its presence in the dietary laws underscores the distinction between clean and unclean animals in Israelite practice.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word yachmur, translated as roebuck, appears just once in the Old Testament. It is listed among the clean animals in Deuteronomy 14:5. This single mention reminds us that God’s provision included a wide variety of game from the ancient landscape.

While scholars debate its exact zoological identity, its presence in the dietary laws highlights the care God took in defining what was acceptable for Israelite practice. It serves as a small but specific detail in the broader picture of holiness and separation.

For your faith, this rare word invites you to appreciate the richness of creation. Even obscure details in Scripture reflect a Creator who knows every creature by name. You can trust that God’s instructions are rooted in wisdom and care for His people.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ a roe-deer1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/יַחְמ֑וּר1×

Key Verses

Deuteronomy 14:5
the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois.

This verse lists the roebuck among clean animals, showing its specific role in Israel's dietary laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word yachmur mean?

Yachmur means roebuck, a type of deer with a reddish coat. It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Deuteronomy 14:5.

Why is this word significant in the Bible?

Its significance lies in its inclusion in the list of clean animals. This shows that the roebuck was considered permissible for food under Mosaic law, distinguishing it from unclean species.

Is the yachmur mentioned elsewhere in Scripture?

No, it is a hapax legomenon, meaning it occurs only once in the entire Hebrew Bible. This rarity makes its exact identification challenging for modern scholars.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Deuteronomy 1 verse

Deuteronomy 14:5

the deer, the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the chamois.