גּוּמָּץ
𐤂𐤅𐤌𐤑
gûwmmâts
H1475 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A depression or cavity in the ground, typically a pit or hole used for storage or concealment, sometimes indicating a place of hiding or danger; the nuance may vary between a literal earthen pit, a concealed space, or a trap.
Semantic Range
pit, cavity in the ground, den (of a snake), hollow, hole, animal lair
Root / Etymology
The exact etymology is uncertain. גּוּמָּץ does not clearly derive from an identifiable Hebrew root appearing elsewhere in the biblical text. Some have compared it to גמץ in related Semitic languages, but no derivation is certain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גּוּמָּץ occurs only in Isaiah 11:8, describing where a weaned child might put his hand—the den or hollow of a venomous snake. Its hapax legomenon status (appearing only once in the Tanakh) makes interpretation difficult. Ancient versions (e.g., Septuagint, Vulgate) render the term as a snake's den or hole, supporting the sense of a small concealed cavity. Medieval Jewish commentators and modern lexicographers largely agree it refers to a pit or hollow, though some see it as more specifically the lair or nest of a dangerous animal such as a snake or adder. The term is distinct from other Hebrew words for pit (such as בּוֹר, 'bor'), which often implies a larger or man-made structure; גּוּמָּץ appears more specific, associated with animal habitation. English translations frequently render the word as 'den' or 'hole,' but 'pit' (as in Strong's) does not convey the nuance of a natural cavity likely to be inhabited by animals. Its use thus reflects specific knowledge of animal behavior and habitat in the ancient Israelite context. Because of its rarity and uncertain etymology, translations sometimes follow traditional interpretations rather than strict lexical evidence.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; a pit; pit.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גמץ (uncertain) (g-m-ṣ (uncertain)) — hollowing, excavating, forming a cavity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1475-01 |
גּוּמָּ֖ץ | gumats | HNcmsa |
a pit | earthen pit | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1475-01 |
Ecclesiastes 10:8 | גּוּמָּ֖ץ | gumats | HNcmsa |
a pit | earthen pit |