(Aramaic) corresponding to the root of חוּט, perhaps as a denominative; to string together, i.e. (figuratively) to repair; join.
Transliteration:chûwṭ
Pronunciation:khoot
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb H2338 (חוּט, chûwṭ) carries the primary meaning of "to string together" or "to join." Its definition suggests a possible denominative relationship to a noun meaning "thread" or "cord" (cf. Hebrew H2339). This implies an action of connecting, fastening, or making whole, much like threading beads or joining pieces with a cord. Figuratively, it extends to "to repair" or "to mend," indicating a restoration of integrity or connection. The core idea revolves around the concept of physical or structural coherence, bringing disparate parts into unity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic verb H2338 occurs only once in the biblical text, found in [[Daniel 5:6]]. In this dramatic account of Belshazzar's feast, the king is confronted by the mysterious writing on the wall. The text states, "Then the king's color changed, and his thoughts greatly troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed (חוּט), and his knees knocked one against another." Here, H2338 is used in the passive voice, conveying the sense of being "unstrung" or "unjoined." The "joints" (קְטַר, `{{H7000}}`) of his loins, which normally provide stability and connection, are depicted as coming apart. This vivid imagery portrays Belshazzar's extreme terror and physical collapse in the face of divine revelation and impending judgment. The undoing of his physical structure underscores the profound psychological and spiritual impact of God's direct intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The Aramaic H2338 is closely related to the Hebrew noun H2339 (חוּט, chûwṭ), which means "thread" or "cord." This strong lexical connection supports the idea that the verb H2338 likely derives from the concept of using a thread to connect or bind. Other related concepts include:
* **H7000 (קְטַר, qetar):** This Aramaic noun, meaning "joint" or "knot," appears in the same verse ([[Daniel 5:6]]) alongside H2338. The "joints" were H2338 (unstrung), highlighting the intimate connection between the parts of the body and their structural integrity.
* **Concepts of Binding/Loosing:** The use of H2338 in a passive sense to mean "loosed" or "unstrung" connects it to the broader biblical theme of binding and loosing, often associated with divine power or human authority (e.g., [[Matthew 16:19]]). While H2338 describes a physical undoing, it resonates with the idea of something being divinely unfastened.
* **Physical Disintegration:** The word's usage evokes a state of physical and emotional disintegration, a theme also present in descriptions of profound fear or divine judgment where human strength fails (e.g., [[Psalm 38:8]], [[Isaiah 13:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H2338 in [[Daniel 5:6]] carries significant theological weight, primarily illustrating the overwhelming power of God's presence and judgment.
* **Divine Judgment and Terror:** Belshazzar's physical "unstringing" is a visceral manifestation of divine terror. His body literally comes apart under the weight of God's immediate and terrifying judgment. This demonstrates that no human power, however great, can withstand the direct confrontation with divine sovereignty.
* **Sovereignty of God:** The undoing of the king's physical composure underscores God's absolute control over all creation, including the human body. What God has "strung together" (created and sustained), He can also "unstring" or dismantle. This highlights the fragility of human existence and power before the Almighty.
* **Consequence of Defiance:** The king's terror is a direct consequence of his sacrilegious actions and defiance of the God of Israel. The physical breakdown symbolizes the spiritual and political ruin that awaits those who oppose God's will.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb H2338 (חוּט, chûwṭ) signifies "to string together" or "to join," extending figuratively to "to repair." Its sole biblical appearance in [[Daniel 5:6]] vividly describes the physical collapse of King Belshazzar, whose "joints... were loosed" (unstrung) in the face of divine judgment. This powerful imagery underscores the profound terror inspired by God's manifest presence and the fragility of human strength and authority when confronted by divine sovereignty. Related to the Hebrew word for "thread" (`{{H2339}}`), H2338 portrays a state of physical and emotional disintegration, serving as a potent symbol of the consequences of defying the Most High God.
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