from an unused root meaning to take refuge; a rift in rocks; cleft.
Transliteration:chăgâv
Pronunciation:khag-awv'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֲגָו (chăgâv, `{{H2288}}`) is derived from an unused root that conveys the sense of "to take refuge." This etymological root is crucial for understanding its core meaning. Literally, chăgâv refers to a physical geological feature: a "rift in rocks" or a "cleft." It denotes a narrow opening, a fissure, or a crevice, typically found within a rocky landscape. The semantic range of chăgâv is therefore primarily literal, describing a specific type of natural indentation in stone. However, the underlying notion of "refuge" imbues the term with a potential, albeit subtle, connotation of a place of concealment, safety, or shelter. It is a location one might instinctively seek for protection or privacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲגָו (chăgâv, `{{H2288}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the poetic book of Song of Solomon.
* **[[Song of Solomon 2:14]]**: "O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."
In this context, the beloved is likened to a "dove" (יוֹנָה, yônāh) that is hiding "in the clefts of the rock" (בְּחַגְוֵי הַסֶּלַע). The parallel phrase, "in the secret places of the cliff" (בְּסֵתֶר הַמַּדְרֵגָה), reinforces the imagery of a secluded, perhaps timid, and somewhat inaccessible sanctuary. The dove, often a symbol of purity, innocence, and vulnerability, seeks refuge in these natural crevices. The lover's plea for the dove/beloved to emerge from her hiding place and reveal her face and voice highlights a profound desire for intimacy and open communion. The "cleft" here serves as a natural, secure, and private space where one might retreat, but from which the lover desires to draw out the beloved into deeper relationship.
### Related Words & Concepts
While חֲגָו (chăgâv, `{{H2288}}`) is unique in its singular occurrence, it is semantically related to other Hebrew terms describing rocky formations and places of concealment:
* סֶלַע (selaʿ, `{{H5553}}`): A general term for "rock" or "cliff," often the larger geological feature containing a chăgâv.
* צוּר (tsur, `{{H6697}}`): Also "rock" or "cliff," frequently used metaphorically in the Psalms and prophetic literature to describe God as a strong foundation, refuge, or protector.
* סֵתֶר (seter, `{{H5643}}`): Meaning "hiding place" or "secret place," which directly parallels chăgâv in [[Song of Solomon 2:14]]. This word emphasizes the hidden aspect of the cleft.
* נְקִיק (neqiq, `{{H5366}}`): A "crevice" or "fissure," another term describing a similar physical crack or opening in rock.
Thematic connections include the broader biblical concepts of refuge, shelter, and divine protection. The imagery of seeking refuge in a rock is a recurring motif, particularly in the Psalms, where God is often portrayed as a "rock" (e.g., [[Psalm 18:2]]) or a "stronghold" (e.g., [[Psalm 91:2]]), providing a secure dwelling for His people. While chăgâv itself is not used metaphorically for God, its underlying root meaning aligns with this pervasive biblical theme.
### Theological Significance
The direct theological significance of חֲגָו (chăgâv, `{{H2288}}`) is limited due to its single occurrence in a poetic book not primarily focused on theological exposition. However, its indirect significance arises from the powerful imagery it evokes and its connection to broader biblical themes.
* **Place of Vulnerability and Refuge**: The "cleft" represents a natural sanctuary where something vulnerable (the dove/beloved) seeks safety and privacy. This subtly underscores the universal human need for refuge and protection, a need often met by divine provision in Scripture.
* **Divine Invitation and Revelation**: In the context of Song of Solomon, the lover's call for the beloved to emerge from the chăgâv and reveal herself can be seen as a faint echo of God's desire for humanity. Just as the lover longs for open intimacy, God seeks a relationship with His people that moves beyond hiddenness (cf. [[Genesis 3:8-10]], where Adam and Eve hide from God). The invitation to come forth from the "cleft" speaks to the divine initiative in drawing humanity into deeper communion.
* **Echoes of Divine Protection**: While chăgâv is not the word used, the concept of a "cleft in the rock" takes on profound theological weight elsewhere, most notably in the account of Moses being shielded by God in the "cleft of the rock" (בְּנִקְרַת הַצּוּר, neqirat ha-tsur, related to `{{H5366}}` and `{{H6697}}`) to behold His glory ([[Exodus 33:22]]). This powerful imagery of God providing a secure, albeit limited, vantage point for divine revelation resonates with the inherent meaning of chăgâv as a place of refuge. Thus, even a rare word like chăgâv contributes to the rich biblical tapestry that portrays God as the ultimate provider of shelter and security.
### Summary
חֲגָו (chăgâv, `{{H2288}}`) is a rare Hebrew word meaning "cleft" or "rift in rocks," stemming from an unused root that signifies "to take refuge." Its sole appearance in [[Song of Solomon 2:14]] paints a vivid picture of a dove-like beloved seeking sanctuary in the "clefts of the rock." This imagery conveys both vulnerability and the desire for privacy, yet it is met with the lover's earnest invitation to emerge into open intimacy. While not directly employed in theological discourse, chăgâv resonates with broader biblical themes of refuge, protection, and the divine call to relationship. It subtly contributes to the rich biblical lexicon that portrays God as the ultimate source of security and the one who invites His people out of hiding into His presence.
TRV