Lexical Summary Kimham: Kimham Original Word: כִּמְהָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Chimham From kamahh; pining; Kimham, an Israelite -- Chimham. see HEBREW kamahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kamah Definition an attendant of David, also a place near Bethlehem NASB Translation Chimham (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs כִּמְהָם proper name, masculine 1. attendant of David 2 Samuel 19:38; 2 Samuel 19:39 = כִּמְהָן v.2 Samuel 19:41; ᵐ5 in all Ξιμααμ, ᵐ5L Αχιμααμ. 2 in noun, of location גֵּרוּת כִמְהָם Jeremiah 41:17 Qr (Kt כמוהם), compare גֵּרוּת above כִּמְהָן 2 Samuel 19:41, see foregoing. כַּמָּה see מָה. כְּמוֺ see below כְּ p.455 above כמוהם Jeremiah 41:17 Kt, see כִּמְהָם. Topical Lexicon Identity and Family Background Chimham (כִּמְהָם) was the son of Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy and godly supporter of King David during the monarch’s exile in Mahanaim. His father’s loyalty to the anointed king at personal cost placed Chimham within a family renowned for covenant faithfulness and generosity (2 Samuel 19:32). Scriptural Occurrences 1. 2 Samuel 19:37 ‒ Barzillai presents Chimham to David as his substitute for royal favor: “Here is your servant Chimham; let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him whatever seems good to you”. Historical Setting These verses occur during David’s return from exile after Absalom’s rebellion. Barzillai, though aged, had supplied the king’s retinue (2 Samuel 17:27-29). When David offered a place at court in gratitude, Barzillai declined because of advanced age but requested the privilege for Chimham. The exchange illustrates Near-Eastern patronage: a benefactor is honored through the advancement of his household, ensuring ongoing relational bonds between the throne and loyal subjects. Hospitality Recompensed Barzillai’s hospitality receives a tangible, generational reward. By welcoming the king in hardship, he secured lasting blessings for his lineage (compare Proverbs 27:10; Hebrews 13:2). Chimham becomes the living pledge that David’s gratitude is not short-lived and that covenant kindness (חֶסֶד, ḥesed) extends beyond a single act. Possible Later Legacy Jeremiah 41:17 mentions “Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem,” a lodging place whose name likely commemorates Chimham. Although the proper noun there is associated with a different Strong’s index, its appearance supports the historical tradition that David granted Chimham an estate near Bethlehem, the king’s hometown. Such a grant would align with David’s promise, provide permanent income for Barzillai’s house, and explain the site’s continued memory centuries later. Ministry and Spiritual Lessons • Faithful service to God’s anointed invites enduring reward. Barzillai’s kindness is mirrored in Chimham’s elevation (Matthew 10:41-42). Theological Reflection Chimham’s story, though brief, underscores the reliability of divine promises mediated through David’s line. The narrative foreshadows the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, who welcomes those presented to Him and secures for them a place in His kingdom (John 14:2-3). Thus, a seemingly minor figure becomes a witness to the covenant faithfulness that threads through Scripture. Forms and Transliterations וְכִמְהָ֖ן וכמהן כִּמְהָ֔ם כִמְהָ֗ם כמהם chimHam kim·hām ḵim·hām kimHam kimhām ḵimhām vechimHan wə·ḵim·hān wəḵimhānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 19:37 HEB: וְהִנֵּ֣ה ׀ עַבְדְּךָ֣ כִמְהָ֗ם יַֽעֲבֹר֙ עִם־ NAS: is your servant Chimham, let him cross over KJV: But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over INT: here is your servant Chimham cross near 2 Samuel 19:38 2 Samuel 19:40 3 Occurrences |
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