מִלְחָמָה
Milchamah
Battle, war, warfare
Milchamah (מִלְחָמָה) is a Hebrew word meaning “battle, war, warfare,” pronounced “mil-kha-MAH.” Derived from the root ל-ח-ם, milchamah appears 310 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H4421).
| Hebrew | מִלְחָמָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Milchamah |
| Pronunciation | mil-kha-MAH |
| Meaning | Battle, war, warfare |
| Root Letters | ל-ח-ם |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 310× |
| Key Verse | Exodus 15:3 |
| Strong's Number | H4421 |
| Category | Warfare & Victory |
Immediately after Israel crossed the Red Sea, Moses sang one of the most startling descriptions of God in all of Scripture: 'The LORD is a man of milchamah (מִלְחָמָה); the LORD is his name' (Exodus 15:3). God is not a passive observer of conflict — He is a warrior who fights for His people. This declaration shapes everything that follows in the biblical narrative. From David's battles with the Philistines to Jehoshaphat's miraculous victory through worship (2 Chronicles 20), the Hebrew Bible consistently portrays God as the one who wages milchamah on behalf of those who trust Him. The word itself shares a root with 'lechem' (bread), leading some scholars to suggest that war in Hebrew thought is a struggle for sustenance — a fight for survival. For Christians, Ephesians 6:12 reframes milchamah as spiritual warfare 'not against flesh and blood,' but the Hebrew principle remains: the battle belongs to the LORD.
Key Bible Verse: Exodus 15:3
“The LORD is a man of war (milchamah); the LORD is his name.”
What Is the Root of Milchamah in Hebrew?
Milchamah comes from the root ל-ח-ם (lamed-chet-mem), which also gives us 'lechem' (bread). Some scholars see a connection: war is the struggle for bread — a fight for survival. The city Bethlehem ('Beit Lechem') means 'house of bread.'
What Does Milchamah Mean in the Bible?
Milchamah appears over 310 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes physical wars (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings), God fighting for Israel (Exodus 14:14), and the eschatological battles in the prophets (Zechariah 14:3).
How Is Milchamah Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Israel Defense Forces (Tzahal) carries on the biblical tradition that defense of the covenant community is both national and spiritual duty. 'Milchemet mitzvah' (obligatory war) in Jewish law describes defensive warfare as a religious obligation.
How to Use Milchamah in Prayer & Worship
When you face battles — spiritual, relational, or circumstantial — remember that milchamah belongs to the LORD. Stand firm, put on God's armor, and trust that He who fought at the Red Sea still fights for His people today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milchamah
How do you say “Battle” in Hebrew?
“Battle” in Hebrew is Milchamah (מִלְחָמָה), pronounced “mil-kha-MAH.” Milchamah comes from the root ל-ח-ם (lamed-chet-mem), which also gives us 'lechem' (bread). Some scholars see a connection: war is the struggle for bread — a fight for survival. The city Bethlehem ('Beit Lechem') means 'house of bread.'
What does Milchamah mean in the Bible?
Milchamah (מִלְחָמָה) means “Battle, war, warfare” in Biblical Hebrew. Milchamah appears over 310 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes physical wars (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings), God fighting for Israel (Exodus 14:14), and the eschatological battles in the prophets (Zechariah 14:3).
How do you pronounce Milchamah?
Milchamah is pronounced “mil-kha-MAH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ל-ח-ם.
Why is God called a 'man of war' in the Bible?
Exodus 15:3 declares God a warrior immediately after He defeated Egypt at the Red Sea. This isn't metaphor — God actively fought for Israel. The title reveals that God is not indifferent to injustice; He intervenes with power. Jesus will return as a warrior-king (Revelation 19:11-16).
What does 'the battle belongs to the LORD' mean?
In 1 Samuel 17:47, David declared before Goliath: 'The battle is the LORD's.' This principle runs through Scripture. It doesn't mean believers are passive; it means our confidence is in God's power, not our own weapons or strategies.
How does spiritual warfare relate to milchamah?
Ephesians 6:12 says our struggle is 'not against flesh and blood.' Paul uses warfare language rooted in the Hebrew milchamah imagery. The armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17) echoes Isaiah 59:17, where God Himself puts on armor. Spiritual warfare is real milchamah conducted with spiritual weapons.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H4421: Milchamah
- Bible Gateway — Exodus 15:3 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ל-ח-ם
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