feminine of הָלִיךְ; a walking; by implication, a procession or march, a caravan; company, going, walk, way.
Transliteration:hălîykâh
Pronunciation:hal-ee-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun hălîykâh (הֲלִיכָה), Strong's number `{{H1979}}`, is a feminine derivative of the verbal root hālakh (`{{H1980}}`), which fundamentally means "to walk" or "to go." Its primary meaning, therefore, is "a walking" or "a going." From this foundational sense, hălîykâh extends semantically to encompass more specific and often collective forms of movement. These include:
* **Procession:** A formal, orderly, or ceremonial walk.
* **March:** A purposeful, often military or disciplined, movement forward.
* **Caravan:** A company of travelers journeying together, typically on foot or with animals.
* **Company:** A group of people traveling or moving together.
* **Way/Path:** Metaphorically, the manner or course of conduct, akin to a path one follows.
The word thus describes not merely the act of locomotion but often implies a structured, communal, or significant journey or movement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hălîykâh occurs a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its usage is significant, particularly in its application to both human and divine actions:
* **[[Job 6:19]]**: "The caravans of Tema look, the companies of Sheba wait for them." Here, hălîykâh (in its plural form, hălîykôth) clearly refers to "caravans" or "companies" of travelers. The context is one of expectation and reliance on these traveling groups for sustenance, highlighting the communal and economic aspects of such journeys in the ancient world.
* **[[Psalm 68:24]]**: "They have seen your goings, O God, the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary." This is a profound usage, attributing "goings" or "processions" to God Himself. The context of the "sanctuary" suggests a majestic, triumphal, or liturgical procession of the divine presence. It speaks of God's active manifestation and movement among His people, perhaps recalling the Ark's procession or a divine epiphany.
* **[[Habakkuk 3:6]]**: "He stood and measured the earth; he looked and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills bowed low. His ways are everlasting." In this awe-inspiring depiction of God's power and judgment, hălîykâh (again, hălîykôth) refers to God's "ways" or "paths," which are described as "everlasting." This is a metaphorical use, indicating the unchanging, eternal, and consistent nature of God's character, actions, and judgments throughout history.
* **[[Nahum 2:5]]**: "He remembers his nobles; they stumble in their march; they hasten to the wall; the siege tower is set up." Here, hălîykâh describes a military "march," likely of the Assyrian army. The context is one of impending battle and the frantic, yet ultimately futile, efforts of the defenders. It conveys a sense of disciplined, purposeful movement that can nonetheless be disrupted.
Across these occurrences, hălîykâh consistently denotes movement that is either collective, purposeful, or imbued with significant meaning, whether human or divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for hălîykâh is its root verb and other derivatives:
* **hālakh (הָלַךְ, `{{H1980}}`):** The fundamental verb "to walk, to go." This is the source of hălîykâh and forms the conceptual backbone for all its meanings.
* **hālîykh (הָלִיךְ, `{{H1978}}`):** The masculine form of the noun, meaning "a going" or "a path." Hălîykâh is explicitly defined as the feminine of this word.
* **mahălakh (מַהֲלָךְ, `{{H4109}}`):** Another noun derived from hālakh, meaning "a walk, a journey, a space for walking."
Conceptually, hălîykâh shares semantic space with words related to "way" or "path," especially when used metaphorically for conduct:
* **derek (דֶּרֶךְ, `{{H1870}}`):** Meaning "way, path, road," often used metaphorically for one's conduct, lifestyle, or moral course. While hălîykâh can touch on this (as in [[Habakkuk 3:6]]), derek is more commonly employed for the ethical dimension of "walking."
* **'ôrâch (אֹרַח, `{{H734}}`):** Meaning "path, way," often a specific track or course.
When referring to a "company" or "caravan," hălîykâh aligns with terms for groups or assemblies:
* **qāhāl (קָהָל, `{{H6951}}`):** "Assembly, congregation."
* **'ēdâh (עֵדָה, `{{H5712}}`):** "Congregation, assembly."
### Theological Significance
The theological import of hălîykâh is most pronounced in its application to God.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Presence:** In [[Psalm 68:24]], God's "goings" (hălîykôth) in the sanctuary portray Him as actively present and moving among His people. This is not a static deity but one who manifests His power and glory in a dynamic, purposeful procession. It speaks to the active involvement of God in the life of His covenant community, leading them and demonstrating His kingship. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the God who "marches" in triumph.
* **Divine Immutability and Eternal Counsel:** [[Habakkuk 3:6]] declares God's "everlasting ways" (hălîykôth 'ôlām). This profound statement underscores the unchanging nature of God's character and His consistent, eternal course of action. It assures the believer that God's justice, power, and faithfulness are not subject to the vicissitudes of human history but are rooted in His immutable being. His "ways" are not arbitrary but are an expression of His eternal counsel and righteous decree.
* **Communal Journey and Purpose:** While not explicitly theological in every instance, the secular uses of hălîykâh for "caravans" or "companies" implicitly highlight the communal aspect of life's journey. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for the collective pilgrimage of God's people, moving together with a shared purpose under divine guidance.
### Summary
Hălîykâh (הֲלִיכָה, `{{H1979}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to walk" (`{{H1980}}`), fundamentally meaning "a walking" or "a going." Its semantic range extends to encompass more specific and often collective movements such as a "procession," "march," "caravan," or "company." While it describes human activities like the movement of "caravans" ([[Job 6:19]]) and military "marches" ([[Nahum 2:5]]), its most profound theological significance lies in its application to God. In [[Psalm 68:24]], it speaks of God's majestic "goings" or "processions" in the sanctuary, highlighting His active, powerful presence among His people. Furthermore, [[Habakkuk 3:6]] refers to God's "everlasting ways," underscoring His immutable character and consistent, eternal course of action. Thus, hălîykâh encapsulates not merely physical locomotion but also the ordered, purposeful progression of divine action and, by extension, the communal and purposeful journey of human existence under God's sovereign hand.
TRV