Lexical Summary chammuq: Curves Original Word: חַמּוּק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance joints From chamaq; a wrapping, i.e. Drawers -- joints. see HEBREW chamaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chamaq Definition curving, curve NASB Translation curves (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חַמּוּק] noun masculine curving, curve, חַמּוּקֵי יְרֵכַיִךְ Cant 7:2 the curvings (curved lines, curves) of thy thighs. Topical Lexicon Overview חַמּוּק (chammuq) appears once in Scripture, describing “rounded” or “curved” contours (Song of Solomon 7:1). The term belongs to the rich poetic vocabulary of the Song of Solomon, celebrating marital beauty and covenant intimacy. Its solitary occurrence invites a focused exploration of biblical aesthetics, divine artistry, and the sanctity of the marriage relationship. Scriptural Context Song of Solomon 7:1: “How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O daughter of a prince! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a master’s hand.” The word pictures the graceful curvature of the Shulammite’s thighs, likened to ornate jewels fashioned by a master craftsman. Within the larger poem (Song of Solomon 4:1–7; 6:4–9; 7:1–9), the lover’s detailed praise affirms the goodness of physical form and celebrates marital affection without shame or vulgarity. Theological Significance 1. Celebration of Creation: The human body, including its most intimate features, is declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31). חַמּוּק reinforces the truth that beauty originates with the Creator, who shaped humanity with purpose (Psalm 139:13–16). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern love poetry commonly employed luxurious, crafted objects to describe beloveds. Pearls, rings, wrought gold, and architectural metaphors conveyed value and splendor. Parallel Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts share this stylistic device, yet the Song’s placement in the canon dignifies the theme within covenantal limits. The comparison to “jewels” also hints at contemporary jewelry-work, familiar to royal courts of Solomon’s era. Canonical Connections • Craftsmanship Motif: Isaiah 64:8 portrays the Lord as potter; Job 10:8–12 depicts Him shaping flesh and sinew. Ministry Applications Marriage Enrichment: Counselors and teachers may draw from Song of Solomon 7:1 to encourage spouses toward God-honoring appreciation of each other’s bodies, combating both body-shaming and illicit lust. Discipleship: The image of a master craftsman reminds believers that their sanctification is an ongoing divine artistry (Philippians 1:6). Worship Arts: Artisans, musicians, and writers can model their craft on the Creator’s excellence, finding precedent in Scriptural celebration of skilled workmanship (Exodus 35:30–35). Pastoral Reflections • Modesty and Honor: While Scripture praises physical form, it consistently frames such admiration within privacy and respect. Homiletical Pointers 1. “The Master’s Hand”: Preach God’s artistry in salvation—He shapes lives just as a craftsman fashions jewels. Conclusion Though rare, חַמּוּק offers a jewel of insight: the Lord cherishes the physical, honors the marital bond, and fashions His people with precision and delight. In contemplating the curved artistry of Song of Solomon 7:1, the Church is invited to rejoice in God’s handiwork both in body and in spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Forms and Transliterations חַמּוּקֵ֣י חמוקי chammuKei ḥam·mū·qê ḥammūqêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 7:1 HEB: בַּת־ נָדִ֑יב חַמּוּקֵ֣י יְרֵכַ֔יִךְ כְּמ֣וֹ NAS: daughter! The curves of your hips KJV: daughter! the joints of thy thighs INT: daughter prince's the curves of your hips are like 1 Occurrence |
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