Lexical Summary chomesh: Fifth part, one-fifth Original Word: חֹמֶשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fifth rib From an unused root probably meaning, to be stout; the abdomen (as obese) -- fifth (rib). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition belly NASB Translation belly (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. חֹ֫מֶשׁ noun masculine belly (Aramaic  ) — הַחֹמֶשׁ 2 Samuel 2:23 3t.; ׳וַיַּכֵּהוּ ֗֗֗ אלהֿח 2 Samuel 2:23 and he smote him in the belly; 2 Samuel 20:10 + 2 Samuel 4:6, read וַתָּ֫נָם וַתִּישָׁ֑ן and she slumbered and slept ᵐ5 We Dr.; yet corruption difficult to explain, see Klo; ׳וַיַּכֵּהוּ שָׁם הח 2 Samuel 3:27 (where probably insert אלֿ compare Dr). IV. חמשׁ (√ of following; meaning dubious; perhaps compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Physical Sense and Imagery The Hebrew term חֹמֶשׁ designates the vulnerable area “beneath the fifth rib,” broadly corresponding to the abdomen. Ancient warriors, fighting at close quarters with short swords or spear butts, recognized it as a decisive target. A blow here could pierce vital organs and arteries, bringing swift death. Scripture therefore employs the word to heighten the drama of lethal encounters, marking them as deliberate, intimate, and inescapably fatal. Occurrences in Scripture The word appears only four times, all in the historical narratives surrounding the rise of King David (2 Samuel 2:23; 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:6; 2 Samuel 20:10). Each setting involves a calculated act of violence that alters the political landscape of Israel: The repeated use of the same anatomical term links these otherwise separate incidents, underscoring a cycle of bloodshed and retribution that accompanies David’s consolidation of the throne. Narrative and Historical Context The writer of Samuel deliberately clusters all four occurrences within the turbulent transition from Saul’s house to David’s reign. Each stabbing brings personal vendetta or political ambition to the surface: Thus חֹמֶשׁ becomes a narrative signpost: whenever it appears, the account is about to pivot through treachery and death. Theological Significance 1. Sanctity of Life and Justice. Each text records murder carried out “in the stomach,” and each is met—either immediately or eventually—with divine or royal censure. The repetition rebukes the notion that political ends justify violent means, affirming that “whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed” (Genesis 9:6). Sample Biblical Quotations “Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear… and Asahel fell and died there on the spot.” (2 Samuel 2:23) “Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and he died for the blood of Asahel his brother.” (2 Samuel 3:27) “But Amasa was not on his guard… and Joab stabbed him in the stomach, and his entrails spilled out on the ground.” (2 Samuel 20:10) Lessons for Ministry and Discipleship • Guard the heart against revenge. Abner’s and Joab’s fatalities trace a chain reaction of retaliation; believers are called instead to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15). Typological and Messianic Hints Although the word itself does not directly foreshadow the Messiah, the context prepares for a king who will reign without shedding innocent blood. David, despite failure, points to the Son of David who secures His throne not by plunging a sword beneath the fifth rib of others, but by having His own side pierced (John 19:34), bringing life rather than death. Related Themes • Blood guilt and its expiation (Numbers 35:33-34). Conclusion חֹמֶשׁ, “the fifth rib,” serves as more than an anatomical note; it threads through the narrative of 2 Samuel as a marker of decisive, often illicit killings. Its limited but pointed usage exposes the destructive cycles of vengeance, underlines the gravity of unlawful bloodshed, and magnifies the righteous standard by which Israel’s kings—and ultimately all God’s people—are called to live. Forms and Transliterations הַחֹ֑מֶשׁ הַחֹ֔מֶשׁ הַחֹ֗מֶשׁ הַחֹ֜מֶשׁ החמש ha·ḥō·meš haChomesh haḥōmešLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 2:23 HEB: הַחֲנִ֜ית אֶל־ הַחֹ֗מֶשׁ וַתֵּצֵ֤א הַֽחֲנִית֙ NAS: struck him in the belly with the butt KJV: him under the fifth [rib], that the spear INT: of the spear under the belly came the spear 2 Samuel 3:27 2 Samuel 4:6 2 Samuel 20:10 4 Occurrences |
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army, Sabean חֿמס men of a tribe who can bear arms; √ then possibly = I. חמשׁ (e.g. army as composed of five parts) see Lane Frey; also SabDenkm24, which cities tribus (from tres), quartier (from quartus, quatuor); > Thes MV and others who compare Arabic 
be firm strong, 
be courageous, etc.)