חַמּוּק
𐤇𐤌𐤅𐤒
chammûwq
H2542 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A rounded or curved part of the body, typically used of the thighs or hips. In context, the term denotes a limb or joint characterized by smoothness, roundness, or graceful curvature, particularly the upper leg in poetic or metaphorical description. The primary usage focuses on the shape and contour rather than an anatomical joint or undergarments.
Semantic Range
rounded body part, curved limb, thighs, hips, contours; specifically the curved or shapely parts of the human body, usually in poetical description
Root / Etymology
Cognate with the root חמק (ḥ-m-q), which conveys the meaning 'to curve, to bend, to be rounded' or 'to slip away.' The noun is a formation indicating something curved or rounded. Its precise morphological derivation is from the root חמק, but the noun form חַמּוּק appears only in the dual in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַמּוּק (chammûq) occurs only in poetic contexts, specifically in Song of Songs 7:2, where it describes the thighs of the woman in metaphorical and aesthetic language. The term emphasizes attractiveness through physical form, highlighting gracefulness and roundedness. The meaning is closely tied to body parts described as curved or shapely, not to skeletal joints or specific garments. The Strong's gloss 'drawers' is largely an interpretive move based on the perceived root association; however, the term itself does not refer to clothing but to the physical form itself. Later Hebrew usage and Rabbinic tradition may connect the term with concepts of encircling or wrapping, but in its biblical attestation, the focus is entirely on body shape. English translations vary, with some rendering as 'thighs,' 'hips,' or 'curves,' reflecting attempts to capture the sensual, descriptive nuance of the original.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָמַק; a wrapping, i.e. drawers; joints.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חמק (ḥ-m-q) — to curve, bend, be rounded, slip away
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2559 | חָמַק | he slipped away |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2542-01 |
חַמּוּקֵ֣י | chamuqey | HNcmpc |
The curves | curved thighs of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2542-01 |
Song of Songs 7:2 | חַמּוּקֵ֣י | chamuqey | HNcmpc |
The curves | curved thighs of |