once (Ezekiel 29:4) חָחִי; from the same as חוֹחַ; a ring for the nose (or lips); bracelet, chain, hook.
Transliteration:châch
Pronunciation:khawkh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2397}}` (חָח - châch) primarily denotes a "hook" or a "ring," specifically one used for the nose or lips of an animal, implying an instrument of control. Its semantic range extends to objects of restraint or adornment, such as a "bracelet" or "chain," though its most potent biblical usage leans heavily into the former. The connection to its root, `{{H2336}}` (חוֹחַ - choach), meaning "thorn" or "hook," underscores the piercing, restraining, or entangling nature of the object. Thus, the core meaning revolves around an implement designed to grasp, pierce, and exert control, often over something powerful or resistant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2397}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Ezekiel 29:4]]. In this passage, God delivers a prophetic oracle against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who is metaphorically depicted as a great "monster" or "dragon" (תַּנִּים - tannim) lying in the midst of his rivers. The divine declaration states, "But I will put hooks in your jaws, and make the fish of your rivers stick to your scales; and I will bring you up out of the midst of your rivers, and all the fish of your rivers will stick to your scales." Here, the plural form חָחִי (chachi) is used. The imagery is strikingly vivid: just as a fisherman uses a hook to capture and pull a massive fish from the water, or as a wild beast is controlled by a ring in its nose, so too will God exert absolute control over Pharaoh. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates divine sovereignty and the inescapable nature of God's judgment and manipulation over even the most formidable earthly powers. Pharaoh's perceived strength and security are revealed as utterly vulnerable to the Lord's intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to `{{H2336}}` (חוֹחַ - choach), which signifies a "thorn," "bramble," or "hook." This etymological link reinforces the concept of something sharp, piercing, and used for entanglement or control. Conceptually, `{{H2397}}` aligns with other biblical metaphors for divine control over nations and kings, such as the "bridle" (רֶסֶן - resen) or "bit" (מֶתֶג - metheg) placed in the mouths of powerful rulers (e.g., [[2 Kings 19:28]], [[Isaiah 37:29]]). These images collectively convey God's absolute authority to direct, restrain, and humble even the most arrogant and seemingly invincible earthly powers. The "hook" further implies a forceful extraction or pulling out, leading to exposure and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{H2397}}` in [[Ezekiel 29:4]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark and powerful metaphor for God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the most formidable human rulers and nations. Pharaoh, representing the epitome of worldly power and pride, is reduced to a creature to be manipulated and controlled by divine will. The "hook" symbolizes not only inescapable judgment but also the precise and deliberate nature of God's intervention. It illustrates that no power, no matter how great or terrifying, can ultimately thwart the Lord's purposes or escape His righteous hand. This imagery underscores the biblical theme of divine justice, where the oppressor is himself brought under a superior, irresistible power, demonstrating that God alone is supreme and capable of humbling the proud and exalting the lowly.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2397}}` (חָח - châch) denotes a "hook" or "ring" primarily used for control, particularly of animals. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezekiel 29:4]] is a potent metaphor: God declares He will place "hooks" in the jaws of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, depicted as a great monster. This vivid imagery powerfully conveys God's absolute sovereignty, His capacity to humble the proud, and the inescapable nature of His divine judgment over all earthly powers. Rooted in `{{H2336}}` (חוֹחַ), meaning "thorn" or "hook," châch emphasizes an instrument of piercing control and divine subjugation, reinforcing the foundational biblical truth that all creation, even its mightiest forces, is ultimately subject to the Lord's will and purpose.
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