a primitive root; properly, to tie a knot, i.e. (figuratively) to propound a riddle; put forth.
Transliteration:chûwd
Pronunciation:khood
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The primitive root חוּד (chûwd, `{{H2330}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to tie a knot." This physical action then extends figuratively to denote the intellectual act of "to propound a riddle" or "to put forth" a complex or enigmatic question. The imagery of a knot suggests something intricate, intertwined, or perplexing, requiring careful thought and discernment to unravel or solve. This semantic range, though narrow in its biblical application, consistently points to the presentation of an intellectual challenge or a statement designed to test understanding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root חוּד appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, specifically in [[Judges 14:12]]. In this passage, Samson addresses the thirty Philistine companions at his wedding feast, declaring, "Let me now propound a riddle to you" (חוּדָה-נָּא לִי חִידָה). The form used here is the Hiphil imperative, indicating an active causative sense: "cause to understand a riddle," or more simply, "present a riddle." The object of this verb is the noun חִידָה (chîydâh, `{{H2420}}`), which is itself derived from this very root, underscoring the direct and inherent connection between the verb and the concept of a riddle. Samson's action is a deliberate challenge, a test of intellectual acumen, and the basis for a wager. The Philistines' ultimate failure to solve the riddle without resorting to deceit highlights the inherent difficulty and "knotty" nature implied by the verb חוּד. This singular, yet prominent, occurrence firmly establishes the word's primary biblical usage within the realm of intellectual challenge and enigmatic speech.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to חוּד is the noun חִידָה (chîydâh, `{{H2420}}`), meaning "riddle," "dark saying," or "enigma." This noun is frequently used throughout the Old Testament in various contexts, including wisdom literature (e.g., [[Proverbs 1:6]]), prophetic discourse (e.g., [[Numbers 12:8]], where God contrasts speaking plainly to Moses with speaking in "riddles" to others), and even poetic expressions of divine truth (e.g., [[Psalm 49:4]], [[Psalm 78:2]]). The verb חוּד is thus the active process of *presenting* or *uttering* such a חִידָה. Other related concepts include words pertaining to wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmâh, `{{H2451}}`), understanding (בִּינָה, bînâh, `{{H998}}`), and discernment, as the act of solving a riddle requires these faculties. The counter-action to חוּד would be the verb "to solve" or "to interpret" a riddle, often expressed by פָּתַר (pâthar, `{{H6622}}`).
### Theological Significance
While the verb חוּד itself is rare, its theological significance is deeply intertwined with its nominal derivative, חִידָה (chîydâh, `{{H2420}}`). The concept of a "riddle" or "dark saying" in biblical theology touches upon several profound themes:
1. **Divine Communication and Revelation:** God sometimes communicates in ways that require deep reflection and spiritual discernment, though not in the sense of intentionally obscure riddles designed to mislead. For instance, in [[Numbers 12:8]], God emphasizes His direct, plain communication with Moses, contrasting it with speaking in "riddles" (חִידָה) to other prophets. This distinction highlights Moses' unique relationship with God and implies that while divine truth can be profound and challenging, its ultimate purpose is revelation, not obfuscation.
2. **Wisdom and Understanding:** The ability to comprehend and unravel "riddles" is consistently presented as a mark of wisdom and divine favor. The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon with "hard questions" (חִידוֹת, [[1 Kings 10:1]]), and his ability to answer them demonstrated his unparalleled God-given wisdom. This underscores the biblical value placed on intellectual acumen and spiritual insight.
3. **Human Limitation and Dependence on God:** The very nature of a riddle, as something difficult to decipher, implicitly points to the limitations of human understanding. It suggests that certain truths or challenges require insight beyond mere human intellect, often necessitating divine illumination or revelation. Samson's riddle, though a human construct, serves as a poignant example of how a seemingly simple intellectual challenge can expose human vulnerability and the need for external help (in the Philistines' case, deceit).
4. **Prophetic Enigma:** Prophetic utterances can sometimes possess an enigmatic quality, requiring spiritual discernment to grasp their full meaning. While not strictly "riddles" in the sense of Samson's challenge, they share the characteristic of demanding insight beyond superficial comprehension, inviting deeper engagement with divine truth.
### Summary
The Hebrew root חוּד (chûwd, `{{H2330}}`) is a unique and singular verb in the Old Testament, appearing only once in [[Judges 14:12]]. Its core meaning, "to tie a knot," extends figuratively to "to propound a riddle" or "to put forth a difficult question." This single occurrence in the narrative of Samson's wedding feast firmly establishes its usage within the context of an intellectual challenge and a test of wit. The verb is inextricably linked to its nominal derivative, חִידָה (chîydâh, `{{H2420}}`), meaning "riddle" or "dark saying," which features more prominently in other biblical texts. The theological significance of חוּד is primarily derived from this connection, illuminating themes related to the nature of divine communication (which can be profound yet ultimately revelatory), the high value placed on wisdom and understanding, and the inherent limitations of human intellect when confronted with complex or enigmatic truths. To "chûwd" is to present a perplexing statement, inviting the unraveling of its hidden meaning and challenging the recipient's ability to discern.
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