קֶ֫מַח (qe.mach)
qe.mach
flour
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, flour was more than just a pantry staple; it represented the very sustenance of life and the fruit of honest labor. When Scripture mentions this word, it often points to moments where God provides for His people in tangible, everyday ways. From the hospitality of Abraham to the miraculous provision for the widow at Zarephath, flour becomes a vehicle for grace, reminding us that God cares about the basic needs of daily living.
These stories invite us to trust that our Provider is attentive to both our physical and spiritual hunger. Just as Elijah relied on the unending supply of meal during a drought, we are encouraged to rest in the faithfulness of God who sustains us through seasons of scarcity. His provision is not limited by our resources but is anchored in His covenant love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- flour7×
- flour of2×
- <the>/ flour2×
- and/ flour1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֶ֣מַח4×
- קֶ֙מַח֙2×
- הַ/קֶּ֙מַח֙2×
- קֶּ֔מַח1×
- קָ֑מַח1×
- קֶ֔מַח1×
- וְ/קֶ֣מַח1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 17:14
For Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of meal will not run out, and the jar of oil will not fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth.’”
This verse highlights the miraculous nature of God's provision, where the flour does not run out despite continuous use, demonstrating divine sustenance during a time of famine.
-
Genesis 18:6
Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”
Here, the preparation of fine meal is an act of urgent hospitality toward visitors, illustrating how ordinary food serves as a medium for encountering the divine.
-
II Kings 4:41
But he said, “Then bring meal.” He threw it into the pot; and he said, “Serve it to the people, that they may eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.
The addition of flour to a pot of poisonous pottage transforms it into safe food, showing God's power to purify and protect through simple means.