Original Word: חָם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: cham
Pronunciation: khawm
Phonetic Spelling: (khawm)
KJV: father in law
NASB: father-in-law
Word Origin: [from the same as H2346 (חוֹמָה - wall)]

1. a father-in-law (as in affinity)

father in law

From the same as chowmah; a father-in-law (as in affinity) -- father in law.

see HEBREW chowmah

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
husband's father
NASB Translation
father-in-law (4).

II. חָם husband's father, see חמה.

II. [חָם] noun masculine husband's father (Late Hebrew id., of husband's or wife's father, so Aramaic חֲמָא; Arabic husband's male relation (father, brother, paternal uncle), but also wife's father, etc.; Ethiopic Assyrian êmû, Zim^{BP 48}); — only suffix חָמִ֫יךָ Genesis 38:13,25, of Judah as Tamar's father-in-law; חָמִיהָ 1 Samuel 4:19,21 of Eli, father-in-law of Phinehas' wife.

Meaning and Cultural Background

חָם denotes the “father-in-law,” specifically the father of a husband. In ancient Israelite society this position carried legal and relational weight. The father-in-law retained a measure of authority and responsibility toward a widowed daughter-in-law (as in levirate obligations, Deuteronomy 25:5-10) and was expected to safeguard the integrity of the family line. His standing reflected the honor of the household and shaped inheritance, covenant faithfulness, and community reputation.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Genesis 38:13 – Judah is identified as Tamar’s father-in-law: “Your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep”.
2. Genesis 38:25 – Tamar sends word “to her father-in-law.”
3. 1 Samuel 4:19 – Phinehas’s wife hears that “her father-in-law and her husband were dead.”
4. 1 Samuel 4:21 – Ichabod is named in light of the deaths of “her father-in-law and her husband.”

Narrative Significance

Genesis 38 underscores the father-in-law’s covenant duty. Judah fails to give his third son to Tamar, endangering the promised seed. Tamar’s bold action exposes Judah’s neglect, leading him to confess, “She is more righteous than I” (Genesis 38:26). Through this episode the Messiah’s lineage (Matthew 1:3) is preserved, illustrating how God works redemptively even through family failure.

In 1 Samuel 4 the deaths of Eli and his sons signal national catastrophe: “The glory has departed from Israel” (1 Samuel 4:21). The mention of the father-in-law highlights the collapse of the priestly house that had mediated the nation’s relationship with the LORD. The broken link between generations mirrors the spiritual vacuum that follows.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Covenant Continuity: Scripture ties family roles to covenant promises. The welfare of widows and continuation of offspring often depended on the integrity of the father-in-law, pointing to God’s concern for vulnerable members of the covenant community.
2. Accountability: Judah’s repentance shows that family authorities answer to God. Spiritual leaders today bear similar responsibility to act justly toward those within their households and congregations.
3. Generational Faithfulness: Eli’s failure contrasts Judah’s eventual repentance. Together the passages warn against passive leadership and encourage proactive, godly influence across generations.

Practical Application

• Fathers-in-law and other senior family members are called to model righteousness, uphold promises, and protect the vulnerable.
• Churches can echo this care through intentional mentorship, widow support, and advocacy for the unborn—modern parallels to safeguarding the family line.
• Repentance remains possible for those who have neglected their responsibilities; Judah’s account invites restoration and renewed obedience.

Christological Resonance

Judah’s transformation prepares the way for the Lion of Judah. His acknowledgment of guilt and Tamar’s vindication foreshadow the greater righteousness fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance for His people (Hebrews 9:15). The broken line of Eli, by contrast, heightens the need for a perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:23-25).

Related Topics

Marriage and family authority; Levirate marriage; Lineage of Messiah; Spiritual leadership and accountability.

חָמִ֖יהָ חָמִ֙יהָ֙ חָמִ֛יךְ חמיה חמיך chaMich chaMiha ḥā·mî·hā ḥā·mîḵ ḥāmîhā ḥāmîḵInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts