As we commemorate the events of October 7th, 2023, where untold violence was brought upon the people of Israel, we are reminded of the age old struggle between those who seek violence and those who seek peace, or "shalom". One particular etymological connection that deserves our attention is the relationship between the name "Hamas" and the biblical Hebrew word חָמָס (ḥāmās), which explicitly means "violence."
Throughout history, humanity has been caught this tension—our deep yearning for shalom (peace) repeatedly shattered by ḥāmās (violence). Scripture reveals this as the defining narrative of mankind: a journey from Eden's perfect peace to Cain's murder of Abel, bringing violence into our world. Through the ages, the Bible unfolds this timeless struggle. Yet woven through this tapestry of human failure runs the golden thread of God's redemptive purpose. From Genesis to Revelation, we witness His unwavering commitment to restore true shalom to His creation—not mere absence of conflict, but wholeness, flourishing, and right relationship. This divine narrative provides us much needed perspective for understanding our world's troubling events, reminding us that today's headlines echo humanity's age-old story.
The Biblical Etymology of Violence
The terrorist organization Hamas takes its name as an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), yet it functions as a chilling homophone to the Hebrew word for violence. In Genesis 6:11, we read that "the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence [חָמָס (ḥāmās)]".
This Hebrew word appears 67 times throughout Scripture, consistently associated with sinful violence and extreme wickedness. It refers specifically to acts of aggression involving physical contact and represents one of the significant reasons God sent the flood in Noah's time.
Read Jeremiah's full Washington Times article regarding the use of Hamas in the Bible.
God's Peace as the Answer
The Bible reminds us that "we were always meant to live in peace with God and with one another". Jesus himself promised, "My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). This divine peace stands in stark contrast to the ḥāmās (violence) that has characterized human history since the Fall.
In times of violence and conflict, God's Word offers us not just understanding of the problem, but the solution. The Hebrew concept of shalom represents not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness, completeness, and right relationship with God and others.
Finding Peace in Troubled Times
When confronted with news of violence and hatred, we can turn to David's prayer: "He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from [ḥāmās] violent men you rescued me" (Psalm 18:47–48). This prayer reminds us that ultimate justice belongs to God.
Living as Peacemakers
God's word calls us to be peacemakers in a world filled with ḥāmās (violence). We recognize that from Genesis to Revelation, God's story is one of peace lost and restored.
By understanding the biblical etymology of words like ḥāmās, we gain deeper insight into both Scripture and current events. But more importantly, we're reminded that God's peace—not human violence—will have the final word in history.
In these challenging times, let us commit ourselves to studying how God's peace can shape our relationships and our response to violence in the world. For it is only through His peace that we can find hope in times of turmoil.
Learn about God's peace in the new Peace of God Study Bible, edited by Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD.
