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H2700 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חַצַרְמָוֶת
Chatsarmaveth
Proper noun, place
Hazarmaveth

Definition

The Hebrew place name Chatsarmaveth (H2700) literally means 'court/settlement of death' — a compound of chatser (enclosure/court/village) and mavet (death). It appears in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:20 as a descendant of Joktan, son of Eber — placing the name in the Arabian/South Arabian genealogy. The region is identified with Hadramawt in modern Yemen, an ancient and historically significant South Arabian culture.

Usage & Theological Significance

The name's meaning — 'court of death' — is striking in a genealogical list that otherwise simply records family lineages. It may reflect the harsh, desert terrain of the region, notorious for its dangers, or it may preserve a memory of the region's ancient religious significance. Theologically, the Table of Nations in Genesis 10 carries the message that all nations and peoples are under God's sovereign oversight — even those with ominous names like 'court of death.' The God of Israel is the God of all peoples, and His redemptive purposes encompass the whole earth (Psalm 67; Revelation 7:9).

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 10:26 Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth (Chatsarmaveth), Jerah,
1 Chronicles 1:20 Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
Psalm 67:2 so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Genesis 10:1 This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, Noah's sons, who themselves had sons after the flood.
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne.

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