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הֲלַךְ

𐤄𐤋𐤊

hălak

H1981 verb

SILEX Entry

Root הלך to go, to walk, to proceed

Definition

To go, to proceed, to walk. In Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, הֲלַךְ is used primarily to indicate physical movement by foot (to walk), but also metaphorically for the progression of events, the conduct or behavior of individuals, or the act of journeying. The verb can describe literal walking, departing, coming, and wandering, as well as less concrete senses of activity or existential movement.

Semantic Range

to go, to walk, to proceed, to depart, to travel, to move along, to wander, to behave (figuratively), to shift or pass (of time, events)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root הלך (‘to go, walk, proceed’), though the form הֲלַךְ itself is Aramaic in morphology and phonology. The root הלך is widely attested throughout Semitic languages, with similar meanings ('to go, walk, move') in Hebrew, Aramaic, Akkadian, and Ugaritic. The word serves as the standard verb of motion by foot and metaphorical movement in many Northwest Semitic dialects. הֲלַךְ as an Aramaic form arises in portions of Daniel and Ezra where the narrative uses Imperial Aramaic.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the biblical corpus, הֲלַךְ is specific to Aramaic passages (Daniel and Ezra), corresponding directly to Hebrew הָלַךְ. It functions as a common verb for physical locomotion or metaphorical advancement. In contexts where later English translations may use 'walk,' 'go,' or 'conduct oneself,' it is important to attend to the narrative genre: for example, in Daniel or Ezra, the use marks both everyday actions and the solemn procession of courtly, bureaucratic, or religious movement. While later translations or traditions may see behavioral implications ('walking in the way'), the Aramaic biblical usage is less idiomatic than the frequent figurative use of the root in later Hebrew and Jewish literature. Distinct from verbs referring to intentional travel or distant journeying (e.g., נסע or הלך with different stems), הֲלַךְ covers an ordinary or short-range movement, unless the context specifies otherwise.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to הָלַךְ (compare הוּךְ); to walk; walk.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

הלך (h-l-k) — to go, to walk, to proceed

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1946 הוּךְ to go
H1973 הָלְאָה further on
H1978 הָלִיךְ my steps
H1979 הֲלִיכָה in their journeying
H1980 הָלַךְ I walk about

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1981-01 מַהְלְכִ֣ין mahelekhin AVarmpa walk those causing to go 2
H1981-02 מְהַלֵּ֥ךְ mehalekhe AVprmsa will return one walking about 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1981-01 Daniel 3:25 מַהְלְכִ֣ין mahelekhin AVarmpa walking those causing to go
H1981-02 Daniel 4:26 מְהַלֵּ֥ךְ mehalekhe AVprmsa will return one walking about
H1981-01 Daniel 4:34 מַהְלְכִ֣ין mahelekhin AVarmpa walk those causing to go
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