חֶלְקַי
𐤇𐤋𐤒𐤉
Cheleqay
H2517 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Chelqay is a proper masculine personal name meaning 'my portion' or 'Yahweh is my portion,' derived from a root meaning to divide or apportion. The name expresses the idea of an allotted share or inheritance, likely referring to God's provision or appointment. In biblical usage, Chelqay is the name of one individual, signaling either actual division of land/inheritance, or being metaphorically appointed to a role.
Semantic Range
my portion, my allotment, my share; by extension, a proper name for an individual signifying being appointed a portion or share (especially by God)
Root / Etymology
From the root חָלַק (ḥ-l-q), 'to divide, apportion, share.' The suffixed form 'י' denotes first-person singular possessive ('my'), rendering 'my portion' or 'my allotment.' The personal name structure is typical for Israelite theophoric names, even if the divine name is not explicit.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Chelqay (חֶלְקַי) occurs in 1 Chronicles 6:45 [English 6:30], referring to a member of the Levitical family descended from Merari, serving as a priest or Levitical musician. The name reflects a common naming pattern among Israelites, where inheritance, portion, or division of land is emphasized—especially relevant for Levites, who did not hold tribal land as an inheritance (cf. Deuteronomy 10:9). English translations, such as 'Helkai,' sometimes obscure the full significance of the name. In later Jewish and Christian traditions, such theophoric or possessive Hebrew names were sometimes generalized as 'Jewish' names, but in the biblical context, Chelqay is specifically an Israelite name, likely referencing either theological or practical aspects of inheritance, priesthood, and divine appointment. No distinct shift in usage is apparent outside the genealogical listing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָלַק; apportioned; Chelkai, an Israelite; Helkai.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חלק (ḥ-l-q) — divide, apportion, share
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2517-01 |
חֶלְקָֽי | cheleqay | HNp |
Helkai | My Portion | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2517-01 |
Nehemiah 12:15 | חֶלְקָֽי | cheleqay | HNp |
Helkai | My Portion |