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חֲלַקָּה

𐤇𐤋𐤒𐤄

chălaqqâh

H2514 adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Speech or behavior characterized by smoothness, flattering language, or plausible but insincere words. Most frequently denotes soft, alluring, or persuasive speech intended to deceive or win favor, rather than direct, honest talk. In some rare contexts, can also mean smoothness or cleanness of surface, but in biblical usage, the focus is on speech.

Semantic Range

flattering speech, smooth talk, plausible or persuasive (but insincere) words, deception by speech; rare: smoothness (of surface)

Root / Etymology

From the root חָלַק (ḥ-l-q), which means 'to be smooth, to be slippery.' The derived noun חֲלַקָּה is the feminine form and conveys the idea of 'smoothness.' When applied metaphorically, especially to speech, it denotes language that is 'smooth' in tone—i.e., flattering, deceitful, or cleverly persuasive.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word חֲלַקָּה is found primarily in poetic literature (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs) to describe speech that is outwardly pleasing but ultimately untrustworthy or manipulative. In the Israelite context, it strongly connotes negative evaluation: speech not marked by frankness or covenantal honesty, but by cunning or an intent to beguile. It draws a contrast to truthful, upright communication, which would be valued in wisdom literature. The semantic overlap with חִלּוּק [distribution, portion] is only superficial; חֲלַקָּה focuses on the slippery quality of words rather than dividing or sharing. Standard English translations render the word as 'flattery', 'smooth talk', or 'deception,' but these may not fully convey the sense of plausible insincerity embedded in the Hebrew. The term is not common for ordinary praise or polite speech, but specifically for manipulative or disingenuous forms of address. In later Hebrew, the root continues to describe both literal smoothness and metaphoric deceitfulness.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine from חָלַק; flattery; flattery.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

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

Root חלק to be smooth, glide, be slippery, divide
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 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H2514-01 בַּ/חֲלַקּ֑וֹת bachalaqot HR/Aafpa with flatteries in smooth flatteries with flatteries 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H2514-01 Daniel 11:32 בַּ/חֲלַקּ֑וֹת bachalaqot HR/Aafpa with flatteries in smooth flatteries with flatteries
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