{
  "id": "dict_000901",
  "term": "Chimham",
  "slug": "chimham",
  "letter": "C",
  "entry_type": "biblical_person",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Chimham is a minor Old Testament figure associated with Barzillai the Gileadite and David’s return after Absalom’s rebellion.",
  "simple_one_line": "Chimham was a minor biblical figure connected with Barzillai and David.",
  "tooltip_text": "A minor Old Testament person mentioned in connection with Barzillai’s loyalty to David and a later site near Bethlehem.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Barzillai",
    "David",
    "Absalom",
    "Jerusalem",
    "Bethlehem"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "2 Samuel 19",
    "Jeremiah 41"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Chimham is a minor biblical person named in connection with Barzillai the Gileadite and David’s return to Jerusalem after Absalom’s revolt.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "A little-known Old Testament name tied to David’s gratitude toward Barzillai and to a later place near Bethlehem.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Appears in the David-Barzillai narrative",
    "Likely related to Barzillai’s family",
    "Mentioned again in Jeremiah in connection with a lodging place near Bethlehem",
    "A proper name, not a theological concept"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Chimham is a personal name in the Old Testament, likely connected with Barzillai the Gileadite. In the Davidic narrative, Chimham appears in the context of David’s gratitude to Barzillai after Absalom’s rebellion, and Jeremiah 41:17 mentions the “habitation of Chimham” near Bethlehem. The biblical data are brief, so the name should be interpreted cautiously and not expanded beyond what Scripture states.",
  "description_academic_full": "Chimham is a minor Old Testament proper name, most likely referring to a son or close descendant of Barzillai the Gileadite. In 2 Samuel 19:31-40, Barzillai declines David’s invitation to come to Jerusalem after helping support the king during Absalom’s rebellion, and Chimham appears in the scene as the one who goes in Barzillai’s place and comes under David’s favor. Jeremiah 41:17 also mentions the “habitation of Chimham,” apparently a lodging place or property near Bethlehem associated with this name or family. Scripture provides only limited information, so interpreters should avoid speculation and simply note the two biblical references and their likely connection.",
  "background_biblical_context": "Chimham belongs to the narrative of David’s restoration after Absalom’s revolt. Barzillai had supported David in exile, and David offered him honor in return. Chimham appears as part of that gracious exchange. The later mention in Jeremiah suggests that the name remained attached to a place near Bethlehem.",
  "background_historical_context": "The references to Chimham preserve a small glimpse into royal patronage, gratitude, and land or lodging designations in ancient Judah. The personal name later became associated with a location, which was not uncommon in the ancient Near East. The historical details remain sparse and should not be pressed beyond the text.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "In the biblical world, names could become associated with property, memorial sites, or family holdings. The “habitation of Chimham” in Jeremiah may reflect such a memorial or inherited association. The text does not explain the full background, so historical reconstruction should remain tentative.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "2 Samuel 19:31-40",
    "Jeremiah 41:17"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "2 Samuel 17:27-29 (background for Barzillai’s support of David)"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "The Hebrew name is usually understood as a personal name, though the precise etymology is uncertain. The biblical text itself gives no explanation of its meaning.",
  "theological_significance": "Chimham has little direct doctrinal significance, but the name sits within a passage that highlights gratitude, covenant loyalty, and royal honor. The broader narrative shows David’s appreciation for loyal support and God’s providential care in restoring the kingdom.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "As a proper name, Chimham is not a theological concept. Its importance is literary and historical: it identifies a real person, or family-associated name, within the biblical record.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not overstate what Scripture does not state. The text does not fully identify Chimham’s relationship to Barzillai beyond close association, and it does not explain the exact origin of the later place-name in Jeremiah. The entry should remain modest and text-bound.",
  "major_views_note": "Most interpreters treat Chimham as a personal name linked to Barzillai’s household and to a later site near Bethlehem. Details beyond that are uncertain and not doctrinally significant.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This entry should be treated as a biblical proper name, not as a doctrine, office, or theological category. No doctrinal claims should be attached to it beyond the biblical narrative context.",
  "practical_significance": "Chimham’s brief mention reminds readers that God records even minor people and details in Scripture. It also illustrates gratitude, loyal service, and the way biblical names can remain attached to places or memorials.",
  "meta_description": "Chimham is a minor biblical person associated with Barzillai, David’s return to Jerusalem, and a later place-name near Bethlehem.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/chimham/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/chimham.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}