Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, "humps" are primarily associated with camels, which are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. Camels are significant animals in biblical narratives, often symbolizing wealth, trade, and transportation in the ancient Near Eastern context.
Camels in the BibleCamels are first mentioned in the account of Abraham. In
Genesis 12:16 , it is noted that Pharaoh treated Abram well for Sarai's sake, and Abram acquired sheep, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels. This indicates the early domestication and use of camels as valuable assets.
The most notable biblical reference to camels is found in the account of Rebekah. In
Genesis 24, Abraham's servant takes ten camels to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac. Rebekah's willingness to draw water for the camels is a sign of her character and hospitality (
Genesis 24:19-20).
Camels are also mentioned in the context of wealth and trade. In
Job 1:3 , Job is described as having 3,000 camels, indicating his immense wealth. Similarly, the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon included a caravan of camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones (
1 Kings 10:2).
Symbolism and UsageCamels, with their distinctive humps, are well-suited for desert travel, storing fat in their humps that can be converted to water and energy. This adaptation made them indispensable for long journeys across arid regions, such as those undertaken by traders and nomads in biblical times.
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the camel in a metaphor to illustrate the difficulty for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God: "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (
Matthew 19:24). This hyperbolic statement emphasizes the challenges of wealth and spiritual humility.
Dietary LawsThe camel is also mentioned in the context of dietary laws.
Leviticus 11:4 and
Deuteronomy 14:7 list the camel among animals that are unclean for consumption because, although it chews the cud, it does not have a split hoof. This classification reflects the detailed dietary regulations given to the Israelites.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, camels were crucial for trade routes, such as the Incense Route, which facilitated the exchange of goods between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Their ability to carry heavy loads over long distances made them ideal for caravans.
The presence of camels in biblical narratives underscores their importance in the daily life and economy of the time. They were symbols of wealth and status, as well as practical assets for travel and trade.
In summary, humps, as seen in camels, are a distinctive feature that highlights the animal's role and significance in biblical times. Camels are portrayed as valuable resources, symbols of wealth, and subjects of metaphorical teachings, reflecting their multifaceted role in the biblical world.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HUMPShumps: Appears inIsaiah 30:6 in the American Standard Revised Version for "bunches" in the King James Version.
Strong's Hebrew
1707. dabbesheth -- a hump... 1706, 1707. dabbesheth. 1708 . a hump. Transliteration: dabbesheth Phonetic
Spelling: (dab-beh'-sheth) Short Definition:
humps.
...Library
Letter cxlv. To Exuperantius.
... my disciple." [3921] Cast from you the burthen of the things of this world, and
seek not those riches which in the gospel are compared to thehumps [3922] of...
Almost a Disciple
... As soon drive a camel,humps and load and all, through 'a needle's eye,' as get
a man who trusts in the uncertainty of riches squeezed through that portal....
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... or animals capable of being turned to domestic use, such as the ass, buffalo, sheep,
goat, dog, and dromedary, and the camel with twohumps, whose gait caused...
The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... run wild on our moors at home. I also saw droves of camels and animals like
them only with twohumps. In one place I saw some elephants...
Thesaurus
Humps (1 Occurrence)...HUMPS.
humps: Appears in Isaiah 30:6 in the American Standard Revised Version
for "bunches" in the King James Version.
...Humps (1 Occurrence).
...Viper (8 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Lioness (13 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Lionesses (3 Occurrences)
... the lioness and the lion, the viper and flying serpent, they carry their riches
upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon thehumps of camels...
Flying (22 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Dromedary (3 Occurrences)
... (n.) The Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius), having one hump or protuberance on
the back, in distinction from the Bactrian camel, which has twohumps. Int....
Camel (13 Occurrences)
... is arched.". (1.) The Bactrian camel is distinguished by twohumps. It is
a native of the high table-lands of Central Asia. (2.) The...
Profitable (34 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Fiery (47 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Shoulders (38 Occurrences)
... lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches
on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on thehumps of camels...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
