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מַחְמֻד

𐤌𐤇𐤌𐤃

machmud

H4262 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חמד to desire, take pleasure in, covet

Definition

Object of desire; a thing (often material) that is precious, valued, or greatly desired, especially for its pleasing qualities. Used to refer to items held in high esteem, such as cherished possessions, treasures, or anything considered both pleasing and valuable. The term can refer concretely to tangible objects, or more abstractly to what is prized or to qualities that evoke longing.

Semantic Range

object of desire, desirable thing, precious thing, cherished possession, treasure, pleasant thing, what is prized or valued

Root / Etymology

From the root חמד (ḥ-m-d), meaning 'to desire, to take pleasure in, to covet.' מַחְמֻד is a masculine noun form created through the maqtal pattern, denoting 'that which is desired' or 'object of desire.' The vocalization מַחְמוּד reflects a form with a long vowel, a minor orthographic variant from the same root and formation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

מַחְמֻד appears in both singular and plural forms to indicate costly goods, treasures, or prize possessions (e.g., 2 Chronicles 36:19; Song of Songs 5:16; Isaiah 64:10), and can denote various valuables lost or destroyed. In prophetic passages, it frequently marks the loss or destruction of what was once most highly prized by individuals or a people, highlighting the tragedy or value of the loss. While English translations often render it as 'pleasant things,' 'treasures,' or 'precious things,' these may understate the sense of desirability or active longing inherent in the Hebrew. Distinct from חֶמְדָּה (chemdah), which often refers to an abstract 'delight' or psychological pleasure, מַחְמֻד typically refers to something external and concrete, although it can occasionally extend to abstract objects of strong desire. Later Hebrew preserves its sense as 'something especially precious' or 'object of beauty.' Its use in describing people (e.g., Song of Songs 5:16) is rare but points to one who is especially valued or beloved. The term should not be confused with מַחְמָדִים (machmadim), a plural form sometimes translated differently, though contextually related. The meaning remains stable across the periods of biblical Hebrew, with its nuance more fully on objects than on emotions or attitudes.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or מַחְמוּד; from חָמַד; desired; hence, a valuable; pleasant thing.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חמד (ḥ-m-d) — to desire, take pleasure in, covet

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2530 חָמַד his desired one
H2531 חֶמֶד precious thing
H2532 חֶמְדָּה desirable things
H2533 חֶמְדָּן Desirable one
H4261 מַחְמָד desired treasures of

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4262-01 מַחֲמֻדֶ֔י/הָ machamudeyha HNcmpc/Sp3fs her precious things her desired things 1
H4262-02 מחמודי/הם mchmvdyhm HNcmpc/Sp3mp their precious things their desired things 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4262-01 Lamentations 1:7 מַחֲמֻדֶ֔י/הָ machamudeyha HNcmpc/Sp3fs her precious things her desired things
H4262-02 Lamentations 1:11 מחמודי/הם mchmvdyhm HNcmpc/Sp3mp their precious things their desired things
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