### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chad**, represented by `{{H2297}}`, is an abridged form of אֶחָד and means **one**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singularity draws attention to its specific use in describing individual communication within a community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2297}}` is in [[Ezekiel 33:30]]. In this passage, God describes the behavior of the children of Israel to the prophet Ezekiel. They gather by the walls and in the doorways of their houses, speaking **one** to another. Specifically, "every one to his brother," urging each other to "Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD." This use of **chad** highlights the individual-to-individual nature of their conversations about God's message, even as they speak against the prophet himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the scene described in [[Ezekiel 33:30]]:
* `{{H259}}` **'echad** (one): As the root word from which **chad** is abridged, it also means one, often with a sense of unity. God promises to give His people **one** heart, uniting them in purpose [[Ezekiel 11:19]].
* `{{H251}}` **'ach** (brother): This term defines the relationship between the people speaking to one another. The use of **brother** emphasizes their kinship and shared identity as they discuss the prophetic word [[Ezekiel 33:30]]. This relationship is central to the covenant community [[Malachi 2:10]].
* `{{H1697}}` **dabar** (word): This is the subject of the people's conversation. They are eager to hear the **word** from the LORD, illustrating the perceived importance of divine communication [[Ezekiel 33:30]]. This **word** is established as something achieved not by human might but by God's spirit [[Zechariah 4:6]].
* `{{H5971}}` **'am** (people): The individuals speaking are part of a larger collective, the **people** of Israel. This term defines them as a congregated unit, providing the backdrop for these individual interactions [[Ezekiel 33:30]]. God's covenant promise is to be their God, and they shall be His **people** [[Jeremiah 31:33]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2297}}` is tied directly to its single, specific context. It illuminates the human response to divine revelation.
* **Communal Interest in Prophecy:** The word is used to describe individuals sharing information about a message from God. It shows that God's word can become a topic of popular discussion among His people, with **one** person encouraging another to listen [[Ezekiel 33:30]].
* **Individual Responsibility:** The term focuses on the action of a single person ("one") speaking to another. This underscores the individual's role in the dissemination of and engagement with God's word within the community.
* **The Act of Speaking:** In its context, the act of speaking **one** to another about hearing the LORD's word is presented with a note of caution, as the same people are also speaking against the prophet. This demonstrates that discussing God's word does not always equate to obeying it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2297}}` is a highly specific term for **one**. Its lone biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 33:30]] provides a vivid snapshot of the Israelite community's dynamic relationship with prophecy. It captures the very personal and individual way in which news and invitations to hear God's word spread, while also subtly commenting on the nature of that interest. Though appearing only once, **chad** offers a unique nuance to the theme of communication and response to God's message.
TRV