Original Word: הָלַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: halam
Pronunciation: hah-LAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (haw-lam')
KJV: beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer)
NASB: beat, beats, overcome, smash, smite, struck, trampled down
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to strike down
2. (by implication) to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband

beat down, break down, overcome, smite with the hammer

A primitive root; to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband -- beat (down), break (down), overcome, smite (with the hammer).

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to smite, hammer, strike down
NASB Translation
beat (2), beats (1), overcome (1), smash (1), smite (1), struck (1), trampled down (1).

[הָלַם] verb smite, hammer, strike down (compare Phoenician מהלם below below מַהֲלֻמוֺת); —

Qal Perfect3feminine singular וְהָֽלְמָה consecutive Judges 5:26; 3plural הָֽלְמוּ Judges 5:22; Isaiah 16:8; suffix הֲלָמוּנִי Proverbs 23:25; Imperfect3masculine singular suffix יֶהֶלְמֵנִי Psalm 141:5; 3masculine plural יַהֲלֹמ֑וּן Psalm 74:6; Participle active ה֫וֺלָם מָּ֑עַם Isaiah 41:7 (compare Ges^{§ 29}, 3 b); passive construct הֲלוּמֵי Isaiah 28:1; — smite (with hammer), followed by accusative of person Judges 5:26 (fatally; "" מָחַק, מָחַץ); also figurative of correction, discipline Psalm 141:5 ("" הוֺכִּיחַ); of intoxicating, wine גֶּפֶן שִׂבְמָה בַּעֲלֵי גוֺיִם הָֽלְמוּ שְׂרוּקֶּיהָ Isaiah 16:8 the vine of Sibma, its choice branches smote down lords of nations (so Hi De Che Brd Di and others, RVm; lords subject according to Ges Ew and others AV RV); also הֲלוּמֵי יַיִן smitten down by wine Isaiah 28:1; compare further Proverbs 23:35; followed by accusative of thing ה֫וֺלָםמָּֿ֑עְם Isaiah 41:7 one striking an anvil; smite down, or strike off Psalm 74:6 (object פִתּוּחִים carved work); also absolute of horse' hoofs Judges 5:22. — On וַהֲלֹם 1 Samuel 14:16 see הֲלֹם.

Conceptual Overview

The verb הָלַם projects an image of forceful contact, whether literal, as with a hammer against metal, or figurative, as with moral conviction against a wayward conscience. Scripture deploys the term across narrative, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy to depict decisive impact—physical, emotional, or spiritual—thus illustrating how God works through human agency, circumstance, and inner persuasion to accomplish His purposes.

Narrative Usage: Deliverance and Confusion

In the Song of Deborah, הָלַם punctuates the triumph over Sisera. The thundering hooves of Barak’s cavalry “beat” the ground (Judges 5:22), and Jael “struck” the Canaanite general (Judges 5:26). Both actions showcase the LORD’s deliverance through decisive blows. By contrast, when Saul’s sentries observe the Philistine camp “melting away” (1 Samuel 14:16), the term underscores how God can turn a hostile force upon itself, striking terror without Israel’s swords.

Poetic and Wisdom Literature: Discipline and Folly

As vandals profane the sanctuary, the Psalmist laments, “They smash all its carved work with hatchet and pick” (Psalm 74:6). Yet David welcomes a different kind of blow: “Let the righteous strike me—it is kindness” (Psalm 141:5). Here הָלַם pictures restorative discipline, distinguishing destructive violence from loving correction. Proverbs presents the opposite response: the drunkard who boasts, “They struck me, but I did not know it” (Proverbs 23:35). Numb to pain, he exposes the dulling effect of sin, which deadens the soul to needed rebuke.

Prophetic Imagery: Judgment on Nations and Idols

Isaiah employs הָלַם to dramatize divine judgment. The vines of Heshbon are “struck” (Isaiah 16:8), signaling economic collapse for Moab. Ephraim’s revelers are “overcome” (Isaiah 28:1), their pride battered by intoxicating excess. Later, the prophet mocks idolatry: the metalsmith “strikes” the anvil to fashion a god that “will not be moved” (Isaiah 41:7). Human hands hammer lifeless idols, yet cannot secure them without nails—an ironic contrast to the living God who alone wields irresistible power.

Theological Implications

1. Divine Sovereignty: Whether through thunderous cavalry, internal panic, or agricultural blight, the LORD directs every blow to advance His redemptive plan.
2. Righteous Correction: Striking in Psalm 141 highlights covenant love that disciplines for holiness (Hebrews 12:6 reflects the same principle).
3. Human Responsibility: Idolatrous artisans reveal the futility of self-made security; only submission to the true God averts the final stroke of judgment.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Shepherding: Like David, leaders invite accountability. Spiritual “hammer blows” from trusted believers protect against self-deception.
• Counseling Addiction: Proverbs 23:35 frames substance abuse as self-inflicted numbness. Exposing the consequences awakens repentance.
• Worship: Psalm 74:6 urges vigilance over sacred stewardship. Upholding doctrinal purity guards the church from destructive intrusions.

Typological and Christological Reflections

The motif of decisive striking anticipates the Servant who was “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). At the cross, Jesus absorbs the ultimate blow, transforming the hammer of judgment into the instrument of atonement. Believers, therefore, can receive corrective strikes without fear, knowing the condemning stroke has already fallen on Christ.

Summary

Across its nine occurrences, הָלַם portrays forceful action that either shatters, disciplines, or delivers. It reminds God’s people that every impact—whether felt under hoofbeats, in righteous rebuke, or through historical upheaval—serves the unshakable purposes of the One who alone strikes with perfect justice and covenant love.

ה֣וֹלֶם הֲל֥וּמֵי הֲלָמ֗וּנִי הָלְמ֖וּ הָלְמ֣וּ הולם הלומי הלמו הלמוני וְהָלְמָ֤ה וַהֲלֹֽם׃ והלם׃ והלמה יֶֽהֶלְמֵֽנִי־ יַהֲלֹמֽוּן׃ יהלמון׃ יהלמני־ hă·lā·mū·nî hā·lə·mū hă·lū·mê halaMuni hălāmūnî hāləmū halMu hălūmê haLumei hō·w·lem Holem hōwlem vahaLom vehalMah wa·hă·lōm wahălōm wə·hā·lə·māh wəhāləmāh ya·hă·lō·mūn yahaloMun yahălōmūn ye·hel·mê·nî- yehelmeni yehelmênî-Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts