Lexical Summary Chamathi: Hamathite Original Word: חֲמָתִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hamathite Patrial from Chamath; a Chamathite or native of Chamath -- Hamathite. see HEBREW Chamath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Chamath Definition desc. of Canaan NASB Translation Hamathite (1), Hamathites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֲמָתִי adjective, of a people with article = substantive הַהֲמָתִ֑י, as descendants of Canaan Genesis 10:18 = 1 Chronicles 1:16. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Hamathite appears twice, both times in genealogical lists that trace the descendants of Canaan: Genesis 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 1:16. In each instance the Hamathites are named among other Canaanite clans and city-states. “And the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites” (Genesis 10:18). Geographical and Historical Background Hamath was the principal city on the Orontes River in what is now western Syria. Situated at a strategic crossroads between Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the coastal Levant, it controlled trade routes linking the Euphrates valley with Phoenician ports. Archaeology identifies the site with modern Hama, revealing continuous occupation, fortifications, and waterworks that underscore its regional importance from the second millennium BC onward. Role within the Table of Nations In both Genesis and Chronicles the Hamathite is catalogued under the descendants of Canaan, son of Ham. The Table of Nations (Genesis 10) establishes the ethnic map after the Flood and anticipates later interactions between Israel and surrounding peoples. By placing Hamath within Canaan’s line, Scripture presents the Hamathites as part of the broader group whose land would be promised to Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 15:18–21). Interaction with Israel Although the ethnic term “Hamathite” itself is limited to the genealogies, the city of Hamath is referenced frequently: These passages show that Hamath could be either ally or adversary, depending on the covenant faithfulness of Israel’s leaders and people. Prophetic and Theological Significance 1. Territorial Promise: By linking Hamath to Israel’s northern frontier, God’s covenant promises display geographic breadth, reinforcing the theme that the Lord determines national boundaries (Acts 17:26). Lessons for Ministry and Faith • Genealogies Matter: Even brief ethnonyms testify that God oversees history down to clan and city. See Also Hamath; Lebo-hamath; Canaan; Table of Nations; Orontes River Forms and Transliterations הַֽחֲמָתִ֑י הַֽחֲמָתִֽי׃ החמתי החמתי׃ ha·ḥă·mā·ṯî hachamaTi haḥămāṯîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:18 HEB: הַצְּמָרִ֖י וְאֶת־ הַֽחֲמָתִ֑י וְאַחַ֣ר נָפֹ֔צוּ NAS: and the Zemarite and the Hamathite; and afterward KJV: and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward INT: and the Arvadite and the Zemarite and the Hamathite and afterward were spread 1 Chronicles 1:16 2 Occurrences |
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