2543. chamor
Lexical Summary
chamor: donkey, donkeys, donkey's

Original Word: חֲמוֹר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chamowr
Pronunciation: khaw-more'
Phonetic Spelling: (kham-ore')
KJV: (he)ass
NASB: donkey, donkeys, donkey's
Word Origin: [from H2560 (חָמַר - To boil up)]

1. a male donkey (from its dun red)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
he-ass

Or (shortened) chamor {kham-ore}; from chamar; a male ass (from its dun red) -- (he)ass.

see HEBREW chamar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from chamar
Definition
a male ass
NASB Translation
donkey (53), donkey's (2), donkeys (41).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. חֲמוֺר noun [masculine] heap, absolute ׳ח with dual חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם (Baer ׳חְִמֹרֹת), as if from חֲמֹרָה; — בִּלְחִי הַחֲמוֺר חֲמוֺר חֲמֹרָתָ֑יִם Judges 15:16 with the ass's jawbone, a heap, two heaps, i.e. so many slain.

חֲמֹרֹתָ֑יִם see I. חֲמוֺר. above

II. חֲמוֺר noun masculineGenesis 45:23 (he)-ass (Late Hebrew id. (sometimes female, but this regularly חֲמוֺרָה); Aramaic הֲמָרָא Arabic , Palmyrene חמרא ReckendZMG 1888, 404; as imêru, SchrCot Gloss; — name from reddish colour) — absolute חֲמוֺר Genesis 22:5 43t.; חֲמֹר Exodus 13:13; Deuteronomy 22:10; construct חֲמוֺר Exodus 23:5 4t.; הֲמֹר Genesis 49:14; suffix חֲמֹרְךָ Deuteronomy 5:14; Deuteronomy 28:31; חֲמֹרֶ֑ךָ Exodus 23:12; חֲמֹרוֺ Genesis 22:3 8t.; plural חֲמוֺרִים Judges 19:10 9t.; חֲמֹרִים Genesis 12:16 16t.; suffix חֲמוֺרֵינוּ Judges 19:19; חֲמֹרֵינוּ Genesis 43:18; חֲמוֺרֵיכֶם 1 Samuel 8:16; חֲמֹרֵיהֶם Genesis 34:28 4t.; חֲמוֺרֵיהֶם Joshua 9:4; — ass (he-ass; אתון = she-ass) found in all periods (collective only Genesis 32:6; Isaiah 21:7); —

1 as (valuable) property, with oxen, sheep, camels, slaves, etc. Genesis 12:16; Genesis 24:35; Genesis 30:48; Genesis 47:17; Exodus 9:3 (all J) Exodus 20:17 (E), Exodus 21:33; Exodus 22:8 (twice in verse); Exodus 22:9; Exodus 23:4,5,12; Numbers 16:15; Joshua 6:21; Joshua 7:24 (all J E); note also Exodus 13:13 = Exodus 34:20 (J E; firstlings belong to ׳י); Genesis 36:24; Numbers 31:28,30,34,39,45 (all P); Deuteronomy 5:14,18; Deuteronomy 22:3,4; Judges 6:4; 1 Samuel 8:16; 1 Samuel 12:3; 1 Samuel 15:3; 1 Samuel 22:19; 1 Samuel 27:9; 1 Chronicles 5:21; Ezra 2:67 = Nehemiah 7:68 (Baer), Zechariah 14:15; collective Genesis 32:5 (J; "" שׁוֺר), צאֹן, עֶבֶד, שִׁפְחָה, but plural (similar "") Genesis 34:28 (P), Genesis 47:17 (J); compare also יְתוֺמִים ׳ח Job 24:3 the orphans' ass ("" שׁוֺר אַלְמָנָה); as knowing its master's crib Isaiah 1:3 ("" שׁוֺר); found in camp 2 Kings 7:7,10 (both "" סוּסִים); as harnessed ׳מֶתֶג לַה Proverbs 26:3 ("" סוּס).

2 used for riding :

a. by women Exodus 4:20 (J), Joshua 15:18 (JE) = Judges 1:14; 1 Samuel 25:20,23,42, compare 2Chronicles 28:15.

b. by men 2 Samuel 16:2; 2 Samuel 17:23; 2 Samuel 19:27; 1 Kings 2:40; 1 Kings 13:13 (twice in verse); 1 Kings 13:23,24,27,28 (twice in verse); Isaiah 21:7; Zechariah 9:9.

c. צֶמֶד חמורים a pair of asses 2 Samuel 16:1 (for burdens and for riding); for man and woman Judges 19:3,10,19,21; carrying dead body Judges 19:28, compare ׳ח 1 Kings 13:29.

3 beast of burden Genesis 22:3,5 (compare Genesis 22:6), Genesis 42:26,27; Genesis 45:23 (all E) Genesis 43:18,24; Genesis 44:3,13 (all J), Joshua 9:4 (JE), 1 Samuel 25:18; 1 Chronicles 12:41; Nehemiah 13:15(compare also ׳צֶמֶד ח 2 Samuel 16:1 above); metaphor of Issachar נָּ֑רֶם ׳ח Genesis 49:14 (poem), an ass of (strong) bones.לֶחֶם ׳ח 1 Samuel 16:20 read probably חֲמִשָּׁה five, or better עֲשָׂרָה ten, see We Dr.

4 used in tillage Isaiah 32:20; not to be used in ploughing with an ox (שׁוֺר) Deuteronomy 22:10.

5 parts of body of ass mentioned are: ׳לְחִי ח Judges 15:15,16 jawbone, Samson's weapon; ׳ראֹשׁ ח 2 Kings 6:25 eaten in famine; ׳בְּשַׂר ה Ezekiel 23:20 Genital organ of ass (contemptuous simile)

6 ׳קְבוּרַת ה Jeremiah 22:19 burial of an ass, in figure of ignominious treatment of a corpse.

Topical Lexicon
Zoological Identity and Physical Characteristics

חֲמוֹר denotes the domesticated donkey, a hardy equid native to the Near East. Characterized by sure-footedness on rocky terrain, an ability to subsist on sparse forage, and a strength exceeding its modest stature, the animal was indispensable to the agrarian and pastoral economy of ancient Israel. Distinct from the horse in speed and stature, the donkey offered endurance and reliability rather than martial glory.

Domestication and Daily Life in Israel

From the patriarchs onward, the donkey appears as a familiar companion of everyday life. Abraham saddled a donkey for the journey to Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:3). Jacob’s household owned multiple donkeys (Genesis 32:15). In rural villages they hauled water (Joshua 15:19), turned millstones, and transported produce to market (Nehemiah 13:15). The frequency of the term—nearly one hundred times—confirms the animal’s ubiquity among all social strata, from farmers (Deuteronomy 22:10) to prophets (1 Samuel 25:20) and kings (2 Samuel 16:2).

Economic and Agricultural Value

A donkey represented mobile capital. Job could list “five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys” (Job 1:3), the latter prized for their milk and ability to breed. Possession of numerous donkeys signified prosperity (Genesis 30:43). Because of their importance, Scripture safeguards the donkey’s welfare:
• Sabbath rest: “So that your ox and your donkey may rest” (Exodus 23:12).
• Humane treatment: “You shall not muzzle an ox… nor mistreat a donkey” (Deuteronomy 25:4; compare Numbers 22).
• Property rights: “If you see your brother’s donkey fallen on the road, you must help him” (Deuteronomy 22:4).

Military and Royal Use

While horses pulled war chariots, donkeys served logistical purposes in military campaigns, carrying provisions (Genesis 42:26) and royal supplies (2 Samuel 16:1–2). Judges 5:10 pictures nobles riding “white donkeys,” a sign of dignity. Yet the donkey’s peaceful associations contrasted with the aggressive imagery of the horse, preparing the way for messianic symbolism.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

1. Plowing Prohibition: “Do not plow with an ox and a donkey together” (Deuteronomy 22:10). This protected the weaker beast and preserved ceremonial distinctions.
2. Redemption of the Firstborn: “Every firstborn donkey must be redeemed with a lamb” (Exodus 13:13). The regulation both acknowledged the animal’s value and reminded Israel of the Exodus deliverance.
3. Pledge Restrictions: One could not seize a millstone or donkey in a way that imperiled a neighbor’s livelihood (Job 24:3; Deuteronomy 24:6).

Symbolic and Theological Themes

Humility and Service: The donkey’s lowly status often symbolized humble submission. Balaam’s donkey, endowed with speech (Numbers 22:28–30), exposes human blindness in contrast to animal obedience.

Stubbornness: “Ephraim is a wild donkey” (Hosea 8:9) portrays Israel’s willful independence.

Peaceful Reign: The choice of a donkey over a warhorse in royal processions signifies benevolent rule.

Messianic Significance

Zechariah 9:9 foretells, “See, your King comes to you… humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” All four Gospels cite the fulfillment when Jesus entered Jerusalem: He “found a young donkey and sat on it” (John 12:14). The deliberate act merges royal authority with meekness, announcing a kingdom established not by force but by sacrificial love. The donkey thus becomes an emblem of the Prince of Peace.

Biblical Narratives Featuring חֲמוֹר

• Covenant Journeys: Abraham, Isaac’s binding (Genesis 22).
• Providential Encounters: Joseph’s brothers’ grain sacks loaded on donkeys (Genesis 42–44).
• Prophetic Drama: Balaam’s donkey sees the angel (Numbers 22).
• Period of the Judges: Deborah’s song (Judges 5:10) and Samson’s improvised weapon of a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:15).
• Monarchical Accounts: David’s flight from Absalom aided by donkeys laden with provisions (2 Samuel 16:1–2).
• Wisdom Literature: Proverbs uses the donkey to illustrate toil and limitation (Proverbs 26:3).

Spiritual Lessons for Contemporary Ministry

1. Servanthood over Status: As Christ chose the donkey, believers prioritize humble service above worldly acclaim.
2. Faithful Burden-bearing: The donkey’s steady labor challenges modern disciples to steadfast perseverance (Galatians 6:2).
3. Redemption’s Cost: The mandated lamb for every firstborn donkey (Exodus 13:13) foreshadows the Lamb of God who redeems those otherwise under sentence of death.
4. Seeing with Spiritual Eyes: Balaam’s account reminds ministers to heed divine warnings often discerned by the least expected voices.

In Scripture the חֲמוֹר is never a mere background creature. Through its presence the Word of God illustrates covenant faithfulness, ethical responsibility, prophetic revelation, and the character of the Messiah Himself.

Forms and Transliterations
בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּחֲמֹרִים֙ בחמרים הַחֲמ֑וֹר הַחֲמ֔וֹר הַחֲמ֖וֹר הַחֲמ֗וֹר הַחֲמ֨וֹר הַחֲמֹ֔ר הַחֲמֹרִ֖ים הַחֲמֹרִ֟ים הַחֲמֹרִ֥ים הַחֲמֹרִֽים׃ הַחֲמֽוֹר׃ הַחֲמוֹרִ֨ים החמור החמור׃ החמורים החמר החמרים החמרים׃ וְהַחֲמ֔וֹר וְהַחֲמ֣וֹר וְהַחֲמֽוֹר׃ וְהַחֲמוֹר֙ וַֽחֲמוֹר֙ וַחֲמ֔וֹר וַחֲמ֖וֹר וַחֲמ֛וֹר וַחֲמ֧וֹר וַחֲמֹֽרְךָ֜ וַחֲמֹר֔וֹ וַחֲמֹרִ֔ים וַחֲמֹרִ֕ים וַחֲמֹרִ֤ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃ וַחֲמֹרֵיהֶֽם׃ וַחֲמֹרֶ֔ךָ וַחֲמֽוֹר׃ וַחֲמוֹרִ֖ים וּבַחֲמֹ֖ר וּבַחֲמֹרִ֑ים ובחמר ובחמרים והחמור והחמור׃ וחמור וחמור׃ וחמורים וחמרו וחמריהם׃ וחמרים וחמרים׃ וחמרך חֲ֠מוֹר חֲמ֔וֹר חֲמ֖וֹר חֲמ֛וֹר חֲמ֣וֹר חֲמ֥וֹר חֲמ֨וֹר חֲמֹ֣ר חֲמֹ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם חֲמֹֽרְךָ֙ חֲמֹר֔וֹ חֲמֹר֖וֹ חֲמֹר֙ חֲמֹר֨וֹ חֲמֹרִ֑ים חֲמֹרִ֔ים חֲמֹרִ֕ים חֲמֹרִ֜ים חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ׃ חֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑ם חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑ם חֲמֽוֹר׃ חֲמוֹר֙ חֲמוֹרִים֙ חֲמוֹרֵיכֶ֖ם חמור חמור׃ חמוריכם חמורים חמר חמרו חמריהם חמרים חמרינו׃ חמרך לֶ֡חֶם לַחֲמ֑וֹר לַחֲמ֣וֹרֵיהֶ֔ם לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃ לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ לַחֲמֹר֗וֹ לַחֲמוֹרִ֑ים לַחֲמוֹרֵ֔ינוּ לחם לחמור לחמוריהם לחמורים לחמורינו לחמרו לחמריהם׃ ba·ḥă·mō·rîm bachamoRim baḥămōrîm chaMor chamoreCha chamoreiChem chamoreiHem chamoReinu chamoRim chamoRo ha·ḥă·mō·rîm ha·ḥă·mō·w·rîm ha·ḥă·mō·wr ha·ḥă·mōr ḥă·mō·rê·hem ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā ḥă·mō·rê·nū ḥă·mō·rîm ḥă·mō·rōw ḥă·mō·w·rê·ḵem ḥă·mō·w·rîm ḥă·mō·wr ḥă·mōr hachaMor hachamoRim haḥămōr haḥămōrîm haḥămōwr haḥămōwrîm ḥămōr ḥămōrêhem ḥămōrəḵā ḥămōrênū ḥămōrîm ḥămōrōw ḥămōwr ḥămōwrêḵem ḥămōwrîm la·ḥă·mō·rê·hem la·ḥă·mō·rōw la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·hem la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·nū la·ḥă·mō·w·rîm la·ḥă·mō·wr lachaMor lachaMoreiHem lachamoReinu lachamoRim lachamoRo laḥămōrêhem laḥămōrōw laḥămōwr laḥămōwrêhem laḥămōwrênū laḥămōwrîm le·ḥem Lechem leḥem ū·ḇa·ḥă·mō·rîm ū·ḇa·ḥă·mōr ūḇaḥămōr ūḇaḥămōrîm uvachaMor uvachamoRim vachaMor vachamoRecha vachamoreiHem vachamoRim vachamoRo vehachamOr wa·ḥă·mō·rê·hem wa·ḥă·mō·re·ḵā wa·ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā wa·ḥă·mō·rîm wa·ḥă·mō·rōw wa·ḥă·mō·w·rîm wa·ḥă·mō·wr waḥămōrêhem waḥămōreḵā waḥămōrəḵā waḥămōrîm waḥămōrōw waḥămōwr waḥămōwrîm wə·ha·ḥă·mō·wr wəhaḥămōwr
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Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 12:16
HEB: צֹאן־ וּבָקָר֙ וַחֲמֹרִ֔ים וַעֲבָדִים֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת
NAS: and oxen and donkeys and male
KJV: and oxen, and he asses, and menservants,
INT: sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female

Genesis 22:3
HEB: וַֽיַּחֲבֹשׁ֙ אֶת־ חֲמֹר֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־
NAS: and saddled his donkey, and took
KJV: and saddled his ass, and took
INT: the morning and saddled his donkey and took two

Genesis 22:5
HEB: פֹּה֙ עִֽם־ הַחֲמ֔וֹר וַאֲנִ֣י וְהַנַּ֔עַר
NAS: here with the donkey, and I and the lad
KJV: Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad
INT: here with the donkey I men

Genesis 24:35
HEB: וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃
NAS: and maids, and camels and donkeys.
KJV: and camels, and asses.
INT: and maids and camels and donkeys

Genesis 30:43
HEB: וַעֲבָדִ֔ים וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים׃
NAS: and camels and donkeys.
KJV: and camels, and asses.
INT: and male and camels and donkeys

Genesis 32:5
HEB: לִי֙ שׁ֣וֹר וַחֲמ֔וֹר צֹ֖אן וְעֶ֣בֶד
NAS: oxen and donkeys [and] flocks
KJV: And I have oxen, and asses, flocks,
INT: have oxen and donkeys flocks and male

Genesis 34:28
HEB: בְּקָרָ֖ם וְאֶת־ חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑ם וְאֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר־
NAS: and their herds and their donkeys, and that which
KJV: and their oxen, and their asses, and that which [was] in the city,
INT: their flocks and their herds and their donkeys which the city

Genesis 36:24
HEB: בִּרְעֹת֥וֹ אֶת־ הַחֲמֹרִ֖ים לְצִבְע֥וֹן אָבִֽיו׃
NAS: when he was pasturing the donkeys of his father
KJV: as he fed the asses of Zibeon
INT: the wilderness was pasturing the donkeys Zibeon of his father

Genesis 42:26
HEB: שִׁבְרָ֖ם עַל־ חֲמֹרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ מִשָּֽׁם׃
NAS: So they loaded their donkeys with their grain
KJV: And they laded their asses with the corn,
INT: their grain and their donkeys and departed there

Genesis 42:27
HEB: לָתֵ֥ת מִסְפּ֛וֹא לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ בַּמָּל֑וֹן וַיַּרְא֙
NAS: to give his donkey fodder
KJV: to give his ass provender
INT: to give fodder his donkey the lodging saw

Genesis 43:18
HEB: לַעֲבָדִ֖ים וְאֶת־ חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ׃
NAS: us for slaves with our donkeys.
KJV: us for bondmen, and our asses.
INT: and take slaves our donkeys

Genesis 43:24
HEB: וַיִּתֵּ֥ן מִסְפּ֖וֹא לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם׃
NAS: and he gave their donkeys fodder.
KJV: and he gave their asses provender.
INT: gave fodder their donkeys

Genesis 44:3
HEB: שֻׁלְּח֔וּ הֵ֖מָּה וַחֲמֹרֵיהֶֽם׃
NAS: were sent away, they with their donkeys.
KJV: were sent away, they and their asses.
INT: were sent with their donkeys

Genesis 44:13
HEB: אִ֣ישׁ עַל־ חֲמֹר֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הָעִֽירָה׃
NAS: loaded his donkey, they returned
KJV: every man his ass, and returned
INT: each and his donkey returned to the city

Genesis 45:23
HEB: כְּזֹאת֙ עֲשָׂרָ֣ה חֲמֹרִ֔ים נֹשְׂאִ֖ים מִטּ֣וּב
NAS: ten donkeys loaded
KJV: and ten she asses laden
INT: this ten donkeys loaded the best

Genesis 47:17
HEB: וּבְמִקְנֵ֥ה הַבָּקָ֖ר וּבַחֲמֹרִ֑ים וַיְנַהֲלֵ֤ם בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙
NAS: and the herds and the donkeys; and he fed
KJV: of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed
INT: their livestock and the herds and the donkeys fed food

Genesis 49:14
HEB: יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר חֲמֹ֣ר גָּ֑רֶם רֹבֵ֖ץ
NAS: is a strong donkey, Lying down
KJV: [is] a strong ass couching down
INT: Issachar donkey strong Lying

Exodus 4:20
HEB: וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙ עַֽל־ הַחֲמֹ֔ר וַיָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָה
NAS: and mounted them on a donkey, and returned
KJV: and set them upon an ass, and he returned
INT: and mounted on A donkey and returned to the land

Exodus 9:3
HEB: בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה בַּסּוּסִ֤ים בַּֽחֲמֹרִים֙ בַּגְּמַלִּ֔ים בַּבָּקָ֖ר
NAS: on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels,
KJV: upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels,
INT: the field the horses the donkeys the camels the herds

Exodus 13:13
HEB: וְכָל־ פֶּ֤טֶר חֲמֹר֙ תִּפְדֶּ֣ה בְשֶׂ֔ה
NAS: first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem
KJV: And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem
INT: every first of a donkey shall redeem A lamb

Exodus 20:17
HEB: וַאֲמָתוֹ֙ וְשׁוֹר֣וֹ וַחֲמֹר֔וֹ וְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר
NAS: or his ox or his donkey or anything
KJV: nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.
INT: his female his ox his donkey anything that

Exodus 21:33
HEB: שּׁ֖וֹר א֥וֹ חֲמֽוֹר׃
NAS: or a donkey falls
KJV: it, and an ox or an ass fall
INT: and an ox or A donkey

Exodus 22:4
HEB: מִשּׁ֧וֹר עַד־ חֲמ֛וֹר עַד־ שֶׂ֖ה
NAS: an ox or a donkey or a sheep,
KJV: whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep;
INT: an ox or A donkey or A sheep

Exodus 22:9
HEB: שׁ֡וֹר עַל־ חֲ֠מוֹר עַל־ שֶׂ֨ה
NAS: [whether it is] for ox, for donkey, for sheep,
KJV: [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep,
INT: ox for donkey for sheep

Exodus 22:10
HEB: אֶל־ רֵעֵ֜הוּ חֲמ֨וֹר אוֹ־ שׁ֥וֹר
NAS: his neighbor a donkey, an ox,
KJV: unto his neighbour an ass, or an ox,
INT: about his neighbor A donkey or an ox

96 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2543
96 Occurrences


ba·ḥă·mō·rîm — 2 Occ.
ḥă·mōr — 18 Occ.
ḥă·mō·rə·ḵā — 1 Occ.
ḥă·mō·w·rê·ḵem — 1 Occ.
ḥă·mō·rê·hem — 3 Occ.
ḥă·mō·rê·nū — 1 Occ.
ḥă·mō·rîm — 7 Occ.
ḥă·mō·rōw — 5 Occ.
ha·ḥă·mō·wr — 18 Occ.
ha·ḥă·mō·rîm — 6 Occ.
la·ḥă·mō·wr — 1 Occ.
la·ḥă·mō·rê·hem — 2 Occ.
la·ḥă·mō·w·rê·nū — 1 Occ.
la·ḥă·mō·w·rîm — 1 Occ.
la·ḥă·mō·rōw — 2 Occ.
le·ḥem — 1 Occ.
ū·ḇa·ḥă·mōr — 1 Occ.
ū·ḇa·ḥă·mō·rîm — 1 Occ.
wa·ḥă·mō·wr — 7 Occ.
wa·ḥă·mō·re·ḵā — 2 Occ.
wa·ḥă·mō·rê·hem — 1 Occ.
wa·ḥă·mō·rîm — 8 Occ.
wa·ḥă·mō·rōw — 2 Occ.
wə·ha·ḥă·mō·wr — 4 Occ.

2542
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