χαμαί
chamaí
G5476 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb meaning 'on the ground,' 'to the ground,' or 'at ground level,' denoting position or movement toward the surface of the earth. It typically expresses being low to, or lying upon, the earth—often in contexts of prostration, falling, or physical contact with the ground. In various contexts, it may also imply being humbled or brought down from an elevated position.
Semantic Range
on the ground, to the ground, at ground level, prostrate, low to the earth, fallen to the ground
Root / Etymology
The etymology is uncertain. It may be related to the base of χασμα (chasma, 'yawning opening,' 'chasm,' 'gulf') through the sense of a gap or opening in the earth, but this is not philologically secure. The ultimate derivation remains unclear.
Historical & Contextual Notes
χαμαί is a rare adverb in Koine, with limited appearances in the New Testament (e.g., Matt 13:8, Matt 13:4, Rev 12:9), though it has classical attestations as well. In both classical and Hellenistic Greek, it consistently denotes location or movement 'to the ground' or 'on the ground.' In the New Testament, typically used in narratives describing falling or being cast down to the ground (often reflecting a state of vulnerability or lowliness). Standard translations 'on the ground' or 'to the ground' accurately capture its sense; however, some traditions may paraphrase to emphasize accompanying action (such as prostration or collapse). Distinguished from ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ('upon the earth'), which is more general, χαμαί emphasizes direct contact with the ground, sometimes suggesting abruptness or loss of upright position. Not specific to a ritual act of prostration, but may occur in contexts where falling down indicates submission or disaster. The word's limited distribution in the Koine period reflects its vestigial character relative to more common locative expressions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb perhaps from the base of χάσμα through the idea of a fissure in the soil; earthward, i.e. prostrate:--on (to) the ground.
Root Family
χαμαί (chamaí) — ground, earth, being low, lying down
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5476-01 |
χαμαὶ | chamai | ADV |
on the ground | on the ground | on the ground | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences