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חַלָּק

𐤇𐤋𐤒

challâq

H2511 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root חלק to be smooth, to divide, to distribute

Definition

Primarily describes a physical surface as 'smooth', lacking roughness, bumps, or projections. Used both literally—for terrain, skin, stones, or craftsmanship—and, less frequently, with extended connotations for speech or behavior perceived as smooth, polished, or flattering.

Semantic Range

smooth (of skin, stones, surfaces); smooth (of speech: flattering, persuasive); smooth (in craftsmanship or construction)

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root חָלַק (ḥālaq), which fundamentally means 'to be smooth, to divide, to apportion.' The form חַלָּק specifically refers to the quality of being smooth, as an adjective or noun. The core idea is that of being free from roughness. The root also produces verbs and other nominal forms with ideas of division or smoothness.

Historical & Contextual Notes

חַלָּק is most commonly used in biblical texts to describe physical characteristics—such as smooth skin (e.g., Genesis 27:11, where Jacob describes his skin as 'smooth' in contrast to Esau's hairiness) and smooth stones (e.g., Isaiah 57:6). Some occurrences, especially in Wisdom literature and later writings, may emphasize 'smoothness' in relation to persuasive or flattering speech, but the base usage in the Hebrew Bible is overwhelmingly literal. In cases of extended meaning (e.g., 'smooth words' or speech), the connotation is of ease and lack of resistance, sometimes with undertones of deceit. The English term 'smooth' generally captures the core sense but may miss certain physical or context-specific associations. The development into metaphorical use is limited in biblical Hebrew but becomes more pronounced in later Hebrew literature.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from חָלַק; smooth; smooth.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חלק (ḥ-l-q) — to be smooth, to divide, to distribute

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2505 חָלַק I will apportion
H2506 חֵלֶק in allotted portion of
H2507 חֵלֶק allotted portion
H2508 חֲלָק smooth
H2509 חָלָק smooth

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2511-01 בְּ/חַלְּקֵי bechaleqey HR/Aampc among the smooth stones among smooth ones of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2511-01 Isaiah 57:6 בְּ/חַלְּקֵי bechaleqey HR/Aampc among the smooth stones among smooth ones of
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