Lexical Summary
chamor: donkey, donkeys, donkey's
Original Word:חֲמוֹר
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:chamowr
Pronunciation:khaw-more'
Phonetic Spelling:(kham-ore')
KJV: (he)ass
NASB:donkey, donkeys, donkey's
Word Origin:[fromH2560 (חָמַר - To boil up)]
1. a male donkey (from its dun red)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
he-ass
Or (shortened) chamor {kham-ore}; fromchamar; a male ass (from its dun red) -- (he)ass.
see HEBREWchamar
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
chamarDefinitiona male ass
NASB Translationdonkey (53), donkey's (2), donkeys (41).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. , absolute with dual (Baer ), as if from ; —
Judges 15:16with the ass's jawbone, a heap, two heaps, i.e. so many slain.
see I. . above
II.Genesis 45:23 (Late Hebrewid. (sometimes female, but this regularly ); Aramaic
Arabic
, Palmyrene ReckendZMG 1888, 404; asimêru, SchrCot Gloss; — name fromreddish colour) — absoluteGenesis 22:5 43t.;Exodus 13:13;Deuteronomy 22:10; constructExodus 23:5 4t.;Genesis 49:14; suffixDeuteronomy 5:14;Deuteronomy 28:31;Exodus 23:12;Genesis 22:3 8t.; pluralJudges 19:10 9t.;Genesis 12:16 16t.; suffixJudges 19:19;Genesis 43:18;1 Samuel 8:16;Genesis 34:28 4t.;Joshua 9:4; —ass (he-ass; =she-ass) found in all periods (collective onlyGenesis 32:6;Isaiah 21:7); —
as (valuable) property, with oxen, sheep, camels, slaves, etc.Genesis 12:16;Genesis 24:35;Genesis 30:48;Genesis 47:17;Exodus 9:3 (all J)Exodus 20:17 (E),Exodus 21:33;Exodus 22:8 (twice in verse);Exodus 22:9;Exodus 23:4,5,12;Numbers 16:15;Joshua 6:21;Joshua 7:24 (all J E); note alsoExodus 13:13 =Exodus 34:20 (J E; firstlings belong to );Genesis 36:24;Numbers 31:28,30,34,39,45 (all P);Deuteronomy 5:14,18;Deuteronomy 22:3,4;Judges 6:4;1 Samuel 8:16;1 Samuel 12:3;1 Samuel 15:3;1 Samuel 22:19;1 Samuel 27:9;1 Chronicles 5:21;Ezra 2:67 =Nehemiah 7:68 (Baer),Zechariah 14:15; collectiveGenesis 32:5 (J; "" ), , , , but plural (similar "")Genesis 34:28 (P),Genesis 47:17 (J); compare alsoJob 24:3the orphans' ass ("" ); as knowing its master's cribIsaiah 1:3 ("" ); found in camp2 Kings 7:7,10 (both "" ); as harnessedProverbs 26:3 ("" ).
:
Exodus 4:20 (J),Joshua 15:18 (JE) =Judges 1:14;1 Samuel 25:20,23,42, compare 2Chronicles 28:15.
2 Samuel 16:2;2 Samuel 17:23;2 Samuel 19:27;1 Kings 2:40;1 Kings 13:13 (twice in verse);1 Kings 13:23,24,27,28 (twice in verse);Isaiah 21:7;Zechariah 9:9.
a pair of asses2 Samuel 16:1 (for burdens and for riding); for man and womanJudges 19:3,10,19,21; carrying dead bodyJudges 19:28, compare1 Kings 13:29.
Genesis 22:3,5 (compareGenesis 22:6),Genesis 42:26,27;Genesis 45:23 (all E)Genesis 43:18,24;Genesis 44:3,13 (all J),Joshua 9:4 (JE),1 Samuel 25:18;1 Chronicles 12:41;Nehemiah 13:15(compare also2 Samuel 16:1 above); metaphor of IssacharGenesis 49:14 (poem),an ass of (strong)bones. —1 Samuel 16:20 read probablyfive, or betterten, see We Dr.
Isaiah 32:20; not to be used in ploughing with an ox ()Deuteronomy 22:10.
:Judges 15:15,16 jawbone, Samson's weapon;2 Kings 6:25 eaten in famine;Ezekiel 23:20 Genital organ of ass (contemptuous simile)
Jeremiah 22:19burial of an ass, in figure of ignominious treatment of a corpse.
Topical Lexicon
Zoological Identity and Physical Characteristicsחֲמוֹר denotes the domesticated donkey, a hardy equid native to the Near East. Characterized by sure-footedness on rocky terrain, an ability to subsist on sparse forage, and a strength exceeding its modest stature, the animal was indispensable to the agrarian and pastoral economy of ancient Israel. Distinct from the horse in speed and stature, the donkey offered endurance and reliability rather than martial glory.
Domestication and Daily Life in Israel
From the patriarchs onward, the donkey appears as a familiar companion of everyday life. Abraham saddled a donkey for the journey to Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:3). Jacob’s household owned multiple donkeys (Genesis 32:15). In rural villages they hauled water (Joshua 15:19), turned millstones, and transported produce to market (Nehemiah 13:15). The frequency of the term—nearly one hundred times—confirms the animal’s ubiquity among all social strata, from farmers (Deuteronomy 22:10) to prophets (1 Samuel 25:20) and kings (2 Samuel 16:2).
Economic and Agricultural Value
A donkey represented mobile capital. Job could list “five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys” (Job 1:3), the latter prized for their milk and ability to breed. Possession of numerous donkeys signified prosperity (Genesis 30:43). Because of their importance, Scripture safeguards the donkey’s welfare:
• Sabbath rest: “So that your ox and your donkey may rest” (Exodus 23:12).
• Humane treatment: “You shall not muzzle an ox… nor mistreat a donkey” (Deuteronomy 25:4; compareNumbers 22).
• Property rights: “If you see your brother’s donkey fallen on the road, you must help him” (Deuteronomy 22:4).
Military and Royal Use
While horses pulled war chariots, donkeys served logistical purposes in military campaigns, carrying provisions (Genesis 42:26) and royal supplies (2 Samuel 16:1–2).Judges 5:10 pictures nobles riding “white donkeys,” a sign of dignity. Yet the donkey’s peaceful associations contrasted with the aggressive imagery of the horse, preparing the way for messianic symbolism.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
1. Plowing Prohibition: “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey together” (Deuteronomy 22:10). This protected the weaker beast and preserved ceremonial distinctions.
2. Redemption of the Firstborn: “Every firstborn donkey must be redeemed with a lamb” (Exodus 13:13). The regulation both acknowledged the animal’s value and reminded Israel of the Exodus deliverance.
3. Pledge Restrictions: One could not seize a millstone or donkey in a way that imperiled a neighbor’s livelihood (Job 24:3;Deuteronomy 24:6).
Symbolic and Theological Themes
Humility and Service: The donkey’s lowly status often symbolized humble submission. Balaam’s donkey, endowed with speech (Numbers 22:28–30), exposes human blindness in contrast to animal obedience.
Stubbornness: “Ephraim is a wild donkey” (Hosea 8:9) portrays Israel’s willful independence.
Peaceful Reign: The choice of a donkey over a warhorse in royal processions signifies benevolent rule.
Messianic Significance
Zechariah 9:9 foretells, “See, your King comes to you… humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” All four Gospels cite the fulfillment when Jesus entered Jerusalem: He “found a young donkey and sat on it” (John 12:14). The deliberate act merges royal authority with meekness, announcing a kingdom established not by force but by sacrificial love. The donkey thus becomes an emblem of the Prince of Peace.
Biblical Narratives Featuring חֲמוֹר
• Covenant Journeys: Abraham, Isaac’s binding (Genesis 22).
• Providential Encounters: Joseph’s brothers’ grain sacks loaded on donkeys (Genesis 42–44).
• Prophetic Drama: Balaam’s donkey sees the angel (Numbers 22).
• Period of the Judges: Deborah’s song (Judges 5:10) and Samson’s improvised weapon of a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:15).
• Monarchical Accounts: David’s flight from Absalom aided by donkeys laden with provisions (2 Samuel 16:1–2).
• Wisdom Literature: Proverbs uses the donkey to illustrate toil and limitation (Proverbs 26:3).
Spiritual Lessons for Contemporary Ministry
1. Servanthood over Status: As Christ chose the donkey, believers prioritize humble service above worldly acclaim.
2. Faithful Burden-bearing: The donkey’s steady labor challenges modern disciples to steadfast perseverance (Galatians 6:2).
3. Redemption’s Cost: The mandated lamb for every firstborn donkey (Exodus 13:13) foreshadows the Lamb of God who redeems those otherwise under sentence of death.
4. Seeing with Spiritual Eyes: Balaam’s account reminds ministers to heed divine warnings often discerned by the least expected voices.
In Scripture the חֲמוֹר is never a mere background creature. Through its presence the Word of God illustrates covenant faithfulness, ethical responsibility, prophetic revelation, and the character of the Messiah Himself.
Forms and Transliterations
בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּחֲמֹרִים֙ בחמרים הַחֲמ֑וֹר הַחֲמ֔וֹר הַחֲמ֖וֹר הַחֲמ֗וֹר הַחֲמ֨וֹר הַחֲמֹ֔ר הַחֲמֹרִ֖ים הַחֲמֹרִ֟ים הַחֲמֹרִ֥ים הַחֲמֹרִֽים׃ הַחֲמֽוֹר׃ הַחֲמוֹרִ֨ים החמור החמור׃ החמורים החמר החמרים החמרים׃ וְהַחֲמ֔וֹר וְהַחֲמ֣וֹר וְהַחֲמֽוֹר׃ וְהַחֲמוֹר֙ וַֽחֲמוֹר֙ וַחֲמ֔וֹר וַחֲמ֖וֹר וַחֲמ֛וֹר וַחֲמ֧וֹר וַחֲמֹֽרְךָ֜ וַחֲמֹר֔וֹ וַחֲמֹרִ֔ים וַחֲמֹרִ֕ים וַחֲמֹרִ֤ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃ וַחֲמֹרֵיהֶֽם׃ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ וַחֲמֽוֹר׃ וַחֲמוֹרִ֖ים וּבַחֲמֹ֖ר וּבַחֲמֹרִ֑ים ובחמר ובחמרים והחמור והחמור׃ וחמור וחמור׃ וחמורים וחמרו וחמריהם׃ וחמרים וחמרים׃ וחמרך חֲ֠מוֹר חֲמ֔וֹר חֲמ֖וֹר חֲמ֛וֹר חֲמ֣וֹר חֲמ֥וֹר חֲמ֨וֹר חֲמֹ֣ר חֲמֹ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם חֲמֹֽרְךָ֙ חֲמֹר֔וֹ חֲמֹר֖וֹ חֲמֹר֙ חֲמֹר֨וֹ חֲמֹרִ֑ים חֲמֹרִ֔ים חֲמֹרִ֕ים חֲמֹרִ֜ים חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ׃ חֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑ם חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑ם חֲמֽוֹר׃ חֲמוֹר֙ חֲמוֹרִים֙ חֲמוֹרֵיכֶ֖ם חמור חמור׃ חמוריכם חמורים חמר חמרו חמריהם חמרים חמרינו׃ חמרך לֶ֡חֶם לַחֲמ֑וֹר לַחֲמ֣וֹרֵיהֶ֔ם לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃ לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ לַחֲמֹר֗וֹ לַחֲמוֹרִ֑ים לַחֲמוֹרֵ֔ינוּ לחם לחמור לחמוריהם לחמורים לחמורינו לחמרו לחמריהם׃ ba·ḥă·mō·rîm bachamoRim baḥămōrîm chaMor chamoreCha chamoreiChem chamoreiHem chamoReinu chamoRim chamoRo ha·ḥă·mō·rîm ha·ḥă·mō·w·rîm ha·ḥă·mō·wr ha·ḥă·mōr ḥă·mō·rê·hem ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā ḥă·mō·rê·nū ḥă·mō·rîm ḥă·mō·rōw ḥă·mō·w·rê·ḵem ḥă·mō·w·rîm ḥă·mō·wr ḥă·mōr hachaMor hachamoRim haḥămōr haḥămōrîm haḥămōwr haḥămōwrîm ḥămōr ḥămōrêhem ḥămōrəḵā ḥămōrênū ḥămōrîm ḥămōrōw ḥămōwr ḥămōwrêḵem ḥămōwrîm la·ḥă·mō·rê·hem la·ḥă·mō·rōw la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·hem la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·nū la·ḥă·mō·w·rîm la·ḥă·mō·wr lachaMor lachaMoreiHem lachamoReinu lachamoRim lachamoRo laḥămōrêhem laḥămōrōw laḥămōwr laḥămōwrêhem laḥămōwrênū laḥămōwrîm le·ḥem Lechem leḥem ū·ḇa·ḥă·mō·rîm ū·ḇa·ḥă·mōr ūḇaḥămōr ūḇaḥămōrîm uvachaMor uvachamoRim vachaMor vachamoRecha vachamoreiHem vachamoRim vachamoRo vehachamOr wa·ḥă·mō·rê·hem wa·ḥă·mō·re·ḵā wa·ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā wa·ḥă·mō·rîm wa·ḥă·mō·rōw wa·ḥă·mō·w·rîm wa·ḥă·mō·wr waḥămōrêhem waḥămōreḵā waḥămōrəḵā waḥămōrîm waḥămōrōw waḥămōwr waḥămōwrîm wə·ha·ḥă·mō·wr wəhaḥămōwr
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