Lexical Summary tsimmuq: Raisin Original Word: צַמּוּק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bunch cluster of raisins From tsamaq; a cake of dried grapes -- bunch (cluster) of raisins. see HEBREW tsamaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsamaq Definition bunch of raisins NASB Translation bunches of raisins (1), clusters of raisins (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [צִמּוּק] noun masculine1Samuel 30:12 bunch of raisins (dried grapes); — plural צִמֻּקִים 1 Samuel 25:18; 1 Samuel 30:12, צִמּוּקִים 2 Samuel 16:1; Chron 2 Samuel 12:41 (van d. H. 2 Samuel 12:40). צמר (√ of following; Late Hebrew צֶמֶר = Biblical Hebrew; Ethiopic Topical Lexicon Description and Preparation The word denotes clusters of sun-dried grapes—raisins—compact, sweet, easily stored, and highly nutritious. In the semi-arid climate of ancient Israel, drying grapes extended the harvest, transforming a perishable fruit into a portable provision that kept well on journeys and in military campaigns. Raisins were usually pressed lightly into compact masses or left as intact clusters tied together with twine. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Samuel 25 records Abigail’s urgent gift to David, which included “one hundred clusters of raisins” (verse 18). 1 Samuel 30 shows the same food restoring a famished Egyptian servant: “They also gave him … two clusters of raisins. He ate, and his strength returned” (verse 12). 2 Samuel 16 depicts Ziba’s supply train for David in exile, bearing “a hundred clusters of raisins” (verse 1). 1 Chronicles 12 describes national rejoicing at David’s coronation, with Israelite tribes bringing “clusters of raisins” (verse 40). Across these texts the word always appears in the plural and in contexts of hospitality, relief, or celebration. Role in Ancient Near Eastern Diet and Trade Raisins were a staple caravan food, light enough for soldiers and travelers yet energy-dense. They featured in tribute, diplomacy, and commerce, and they formed part of royal stores (compare the Ugaritic inventories mentioning dried fruit). Their presence with bread, wine, and meat in 2 Samuel 16 highlights their value alongside primary staples. Symbolism and Theological Themes Provision and Sustenance: Every occurrence underscores God’s providence mediated through human agents. Whether protecting David from Saul (1 Samuel 25), reviving a stranger (1 Samuel 30), sustaining an exiled king (2 Samuel 16), or uniting a nation (1 Chronicles 12), raisins become tokens of the Lord’s care. Generosity and Hospitality: The clusters represent lavish giving—offered without reluctance to both friend and enemy. They model the expansive hospitality later commended in Romans 12 13. Joyful Fellowship: At David’s enthronement they accompany wine, oil, and meat, illustrating festive abundance that foreshadows the messianic banquet (Isaiah 25 6). Ministry and Pastoral Applications Care for the Weary: Like David’s men feeding the Egyptian, the church is called to practical mercy that precedes evangelistic conversation. Simple provisions can display gospel compassion. Preparedness for Service: Raisins, made in advance, remind believers to steward resources diligently so they are ready for sudden needs (Proverbs 6 6-8). Unity through Sharing: The nationwide contribution in 1 Chronicles 12 portrays cooperative ministry. Modern assemblies strengthen bonds when they pool material gifts for common mission. Christological and Eschatological Echoes The humble raisin, crushed yet preserved, hints at the suffering yet indestructible life of Christ, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12 2). Its sweetness after pressing prefigures resurrection glory following affliction. In Revelation 19 the wedding supper of the Lamb amplifies every Old Testament feast; the clusters offered to David become a foretaste of the consummate celebration where the faithful will be fully and eternally satisfied. Forms and Transliterations וְיַֽיִן־ ויין־ צִמֻּקִ֖ים צִמֻּקִים֙ צִמּוּקִ֛ים צמוקים צמקים ṣim·mu·qîm ṣim·mū·qîm ṣimmuqîm ṣimmūqîm tzimmuKim veyayin wə·ya·yin- wəyayin-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 25:18 HEB: קָלִ֔י וּמֵאָ֥ה צִמֻּקִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם דְּבֵלִ֑ים NAS: and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred KJV: [corn], and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred INT: of roasted hundred clusters hundred cakes 1 Samuel 30:12 2 Samuel 16:1 1 Chronicles 12:40 4 Occurrences |
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Aramaic עַמְרָא, 
; Palmyrene עמרא).