חַכְלִלוּת
𐤇𐤊𐤋𐤋𐤅𐤕
chaklilûwth
H2448 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or quality of being reddish or gleaming, especially as it describes a physical attribute (such as the eyes or appearance). Primarily denotes vivid or sparkling redness, often referencing luminosity or brightness. The term can express healthy, glowing vitality, but may also, by extension or in particular contexts, refer to a more negative vividness, such as intense redness or even bloodshot appearance.
Semantic Range
gleaming redness, glowing brightness, vivid coloration (esp. of eyes or countenance), sparkling, healthy ruddiness; (by extension or rare tradition) intense redness or bloodshot appearance
Root / Etymology
The term derives from the root חַכְלִיל (Strong's H2447), which relates to a gleaming, reddish, or glowing color, particularly in visual features. חַכְלִלוּת is a feminine abstract noun formation from this root, denoting the quality or state of being 'חַכְלִיל' (gleaming red, sparkling, bright).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, חַכְלִלוּת is rare, appearing only in poetic and descriptive contexts. Notably, in Genesis 49:12 (in the tribal blessing of Judah), it refers to eyes 'darker (or ruddier) than wine,' conveying depth, richness, or vividness of color. The context is positive, highlighting vitality and striking appearance; there are no unambiguous negative connotations (such as 'blearedness' or unhealthy redness) in direct biblical usage. Later exegetical or translation traditions sometimes interpret the term as bleared or bloodshot, but the primary nuance in the Hebrew Bible is intense, lively coloring. The meaning shifts toward negativity only by context or association, not by intrinsic definition. It should be distinguished from terms that unequivocally denote illness or abnormality. English translations typically offer 'dark,' 'red,' 'sparkling,' or 'fiery,' but none fully conveys the richness and brightness implied in Hebrew.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חַכְלִיל; flash (of the eyes); in a bad sense, blearedness; redness.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חכלל (ḥ-k-l-l) — to be red, gleam, glow vividly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2448-01 |
חַכְלִל֥וּת | chakhelilut | HNcfsc |
redness | gleaming redness of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2448-01 |
Proverbs 23:29 | חַכְלִל֥וּת | chakhelilut | HNcfsc |
redness | gleaming redness of |