Lexical Summary challamuth: Dream Original Word: חַלָּמוּת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance egg From chalam (in the sense of insipidity); probably purslain -- egg. see HEBREW chalam NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalam Definition (a plant), probably a purslane NASB Translation white of an egg (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַלָּמוּת noun feminine name of a plant, with thick, slimy juice, purslain, Job 6:6 RVm, so Thes Rob Ges and others; ᵑ6  , anchusa PSi, 1284; on this, and later interpretations see Bö Di Löwpp. 165, 361; only אִםיֶֿשׁטַֿעַם בְּרִיר חַלָּמוּת Job 6:6 is there any taste in the juice of ׳ח (figurative of insipid and dull discourse); > AV RV Ew Hi SS after ᵑ7 Saad Rabb in the white of an egg **the reference is to Job's sufferings (from which as little joy comes as from eating unsavoury food, so now Comm. Generally), rather than to the unpalatable words of his friends. It is doubtful whether Dillmann's reason for preferring purslain to ᵑ9 חֶלְמוֺנָא yolk of egg (׳רִיר ח slime of yolk, i.e. the white of the egg) is convincing, namely, that ancient Hebrews did not keep hens, or that of Delitzsch, namely that white of egg is not slime, and is not unpalatable; meaning yolk preferred also by Da Bu Du. חלמשׁ (quadriliteral √ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imageryחַלָּמוּת names a bland, mucilaginous plant product—likely the juice of the common mallow or a similar garden herb. In many English versions it is rendered “white of an egg” because of its colorless, flavorless, gelatinous quality. Whatever the precise botanic identity, Scripture employs the noun to evoke the idea of something utterly tasteless, insipid, and unappealing. Old Testament Context The single occurrence comes in Job 6:6: “Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg?” (Berean Standard Bible). Job pairs two images: food lacking salt and חַלָּמוּת lacking savor. Together they intensify his lament that the counsel offered by his friends is as unpalatable to him as salt-less fare or the slimy sap of mallow. The rhetorical flourish heightens the emotional weight of Job’s protest while respecting the moral order of God’s universe later affirmed in the book (Job 42:1-6). Cultural and Agricultural Background Ancient Near Eastern cuisine prized salt as both preservative and flavor enhancer (Leviticus 2:13; Ezra 6:9). In contrast, wild mallows were inexpensive forage for the poor (Job 30:4) and could be eaten in desperation though they provided little nourishment or pleasure. By choosing such an everyday, humble plant rather than an exotic spice, the text locates Job’s suffering in the mundane realities of village life; his pain is not theoretical but intensely human. Theological Insights 1. Human Suffering and Perception Job’s simile underscores how anguish distorts perceived reality. Counsel that might otherwise be helpful feels tasteless because grief dulls the palate of the soul. Yet Scripture later shows that truth, like salt, ultimately preserves and heals (Colossians 4:6). 2. The Necessity of Seasoning Salt in biblical thought signifies covenant fidelity (Numbers 18:19) and purity (Matthew 5:13). The void of flavor in חַלָּמוּת thus points to counsel stripped of covenantal compassion. Authentic ministry must be seasoned with grace and truth (John 1:14). 3. God’s Provision Amid Poverty Even the bland juice of mallow can sustain life in extremity, mirroring the Lord’s promise to provide daily bread (Psalm 37:25). The text reminds believers not to despise humble means through which God may choose to bless. Practical Ministry Application • Pastoral Care: When visiting the suffering, words must be “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Empty platitudes, like חַלָּמוּת, can deepen, not relieve, affliction. Christological Reflections Jesus Christ, the true “bread of life” (John 6:35), satisfies every longing heart. In contrast with the blandness of חַלָּמוּת, He offers abundant life and rich fare (Isaiah 55:1-2). On the cross He swallowed the bitterness of suffering so that believers might taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Where Job knew only the insufficiency of tasteless food, the Gospel reveals the sufficiency of Christ to sustain and redeem. Related Biblical Themes and Cross References • Unsavory Counsel: Proverbs 27:9; Ecclesiastes 9:17. Forms and Transliterations חַלָּמֽוּת׃ חלמות׃ challaMut ḥal·lā·mūṯ ḥallāmūṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 6:6 HEB: טַ֝֗עַם בְּרִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת׃ NAS: taste in the white of an egg? KJV: [any] taste in the white of an egg? INT: taste the white the white 1 Occurrence |
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