Lexical Summary yachmur: Roebuck, Deer Original Word: יַחְמוּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fallow deer From chamar; a kind of deer (from the color; compare chamowr) -- fallow deer. see HEBREW chamar see HEBREW chamowr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chamar Definition a roebuck NASB Translation roebuck (1), roebucks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יַחְמוּר noun [masculine] roebuck (Samaritan יחמור, Syriac  ᵑ7 יַחְמוּרָא see HomNS 392 (and 339), LagBN 127; name from reddish colour ?) — edible Deuteronomy 14:5; 1 Kings 5:3; — on identification with roebuck, see TristrProc. Zool. Soc. London, May 2, 1876 ConderTent Work, 1887, p.91. I. חמשׁ (√ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Zoological Identification Yachmur is commonly rendered “roe deer” or “fallow deer,” pointing to a graceful, medium-sized cervid native to the eastern Mediterranean. Modern zoologists often associate it with the Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica), once widespread in the woodlands and river valleys of ancient Israel. Characterized by a spotted coat, palmated antlers in the males, and an alert, elusive nature, the animal thrives on young shoots, leaves, acorns, and seasonal grasses. Its physiology meets the biblical criteria for a clean land animal—cloven hooves and rumination—explaining its inclusion among permissible foods. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Deuteronomy 14:5 enumerates seven kinds of wild game Israel was free to eat, listing the yachmur third: “the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep”. Dietary Significance under Mosaic Law By placing the roe deer on the “clean” list, the Lord affirmed that His people could enjoy the bounty of the land without compromising covenant holiness. The distinction between clean and unclean animals (Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14) set Israel apart from neighboring nations and instructed the conscience in matters of obedience. Because the yachmur both chews the cud and has a divided hoof, it met the twofold criterion for land animals, prefiguring the necessity of a wholehearted, undivided walk before God (compare James 1:8). Symbol of Covenant Blessing The presence of yachmur on Solomon’s table illustrates how obedience and wisdom bring material plenty (1 Kings 4:20-21). Its inclusion in royal fare communicates the peace and security of Israel at the height of the United Monarchy, when even the wild game of the forests could be harvested without fear of enemy invasion or ecological collapse. Thus the animal serves as a living witness to Deuteronomy 28:11, where God promises to “abound in prosperity” those who keep His commandments. Historical and Cultural Context Archaeological records and ancient texts indicate that large herds of deer inhabited the Galilean highlands, the Carmel range, and the Jordan Valley in biblical times. Iconography from nearby Phoenicia and Assyria frequently depicts similar cervids as hunting trophies, royal gifts, and sacrificial offerings. Israel, however, did not exploit the animal as a religious symbol; rather, its use was practical—food for celebrations, tithes, and royal hospitality (compare Deuteronomy 12:15). This practical focus underscores Scripture’s balanced view of creation: nature is neither to be idolized nor abused, but stewarded under God’s mandate (Genesis 1:28-31). Spiritual Reflections and Ministry Applications • Provision: Yachmur reminds believers that the Lord equips His people with “everything required for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). Summary Yachmur appears only twice, yet its presence enriches biblical theology by illustrating clean provision, covenant blessing, and responsible dominion. From the wilderness diet outlined by Moses to the opulent table of Solomon, the roe deer testifies that every good gift—whether in scarcity or abundance—“is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). Forms and Transliterations וְיַחְמ֑וּר וְיַחְמ֔וּר ויחמור veyachMur wə·yaḥ·mūr wəyaḥmūrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 14:5 HEB: אַיָּ֥ל וּצְבִ֖י וְיַחְמ֑וּר וְאַקּ֥וֹ וְדִישֹׁ֖ן NAS: the gazelle, the roebuck, the wild goat, KJV: and the roebuck, and the fallow deer, and the wild goat, INT: the deer the gazelle the roebuck the wild the ibex 1 Kings 4:23 2 Occurrences |
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