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הַלְמוּת

𐤄𐤋𐤌𐤅𐤕

halmûwth

H1989 noun

SILEX Entry

Root הלם to strike, to beat, to hammer

Definition

A tool of iron or stone used for striking, pounding, or driving objects, commonly rendered as 'hammer' or 'mallet.' In its biblical context, הַלְמוּת denotes an instrument for significant impact or forceful action, both in practical and occasionally metaphorical senses.

Semantic Range

hammer, mallet, tool for striking, instrument of crushing, metaphor for forceful speech or judgment

Root / Etymology

From the root הלם (halam), meaning 'to strike, hammer, beat.' הַלְמוּת is a noun formation indicating an instrument used for striking.

Historical & Contextual Notes

הַלְמוּת appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in poetic or prophetic passages (e.g., Jeremiah 23:29). Its usage conveys a sense of forceful impact and power, particularly in imagery relating to judgment or the effective delivery of a message. The term differs from מַקֶּבֶת (maqqevet), another word for 'hammer,' which more often connotes a blacksmith’s tool for crafting or shaping metal. Whereas maqqevet emphasizes skilled workmanship, הַלְמוּת generally emphasizes the force and effect of the blow itself. English translations often render both terms simply as 'hammer,' but הַלְמוּת can carry stronger connotations of crushing or shattering. Over time, the semantic scope remained focused on implements of striking, though occasional metaphorical extensions (as in prophetic language) highlight its potency. Throughout Israelite and Judahite history, the physical tool referenced by הַלְמוּת would have been essential in construction and, secondarily, in martial or judgmental imagery. In later traditions, associations with divine power or prophetic wordplay become more prominent, but such uses are rooted in the core sense of powerful, decisive impact.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from הָלַם; a hammer (or mallet); hammer.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

הלם (h-l-m) — to strike, to beat, to hammer

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1986 הָלַם They struck me
H1987 הֶלֶם Smiter
H1988 הֲלֹם to this place
H3095 יַהֲלֹם and strike-hardened gem
H4112 מַהֲלֻמָּה for strike-wounds

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H1989-01 לְ/הַלְמ֣וּת lehalemut HR/Ncfsc to the hammer to a striking-hammer-of to the hammer 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H1989-01 Judges 5:26 לְ/הַלְמ֣וּת lehalemut HR/Ncfsc to the hammer to a striking-hammer-of to the hammer
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