a primitive root (compare חָיָה); to live; causatively to revive; live, save life.
Transliteration:châyay
Pronunciation:khaw-yah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חָיַי (châyay), Strong's `{{H2425}}`, is presented as a primitive root with the core meaning "to live." It is explicitly noted as comparable to חָיָה (châyâh) `{{H2421}}`, which is the more commonly encountered and extensively attested root for "to live" in biblical Hebrew. Indeed, in many lexical resources, `{{H2425}}` is considered synonymous with or a variant form of `{{H2421}}`.
The semantic range of חָיַי (and by extension, חָיָה) encompasses:
1. **Physical Existence:** To be alive, to breathe, to exist as a living being (e.g., [[Genesis 5:3]]).
2. **Vitality and Health:** To be well, to flourish, to be in good health (e.g., [[2 Samuel 12:22]]).
3. **Survival and Preservation:** To remain alive, to be spared from death or destruction, to endure (e.g., [[Genesis 19:19]]).
4. **Causative (Hiphil/Piel):** To cause to live, to revive, to restore to life, to preserve life, to save life (e.g., [[Genesis 45:7]], [[1 Kings 17:22]]). This aspect highlights divine or human agency in sustaining or restoring life.
5. **Figurative/Spiritual:** To have spiritual life, to be in right relationship with God, to experience true well-being that transcends mere physical existence (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 30:19]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While חָיַי `{{H2425}}` itself is not extensively listed as a distinct root in biblical concordances separate from חָיָה `{{H2421}}`, its defined meaning ("to live; causatively to revive; live, save life") is profoundly central to the biblical narrative. The occurrences of the concept, primarily through `{{H2421}}`, demonstrate its pervasive application:
* **Creation and Sustenance:** From the very beginning, God breathes life into humanity ([[Genesis 2:7]]), and all living creatures are sustained by His breath ([[Psalm 104:29-30]]). The ability to "live" is a divine gift.
* **Preservation in Crisis:** In narratives of famine or judgment, the act of "saving life" or "preserving alive" is a recurring theme. Joseph's role in Egypt is explicitly described as being sent by God "to preserve life" ([[Genesis 45:7]]).
* **Restoration and Revival:** The causative form of the root is powerfully used in instances of miraculous restoration. Elijah's prayer for the widow's son, resulting in the child's "life returning to him" ([[1 Kings 17:22]]), is a poignant example of divine power over death. Similarly, national restoration is often depicted as a "revival" or "coming to life" (e.g., [[Ezekiel 37:5-6]]).
* **Covenantal Life:** In the Mosaic covenant, "life" is presented as a consequence of obedience to God's commands. To "choose life" ([[Deuteronomy 30:19]]) is to choose to walk in God's ways, leading to blessing and flourishing, both individually and corporately. Conversely, disobedience leads to death or decline.
* **Prophetic Hope:** Prophets often speak of a future time when Israel will "live" again, signifying national restoration, spiritual renewal, and a return to God's favor (e.g., [[Hosea 6:2]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "life" in Hebrew is rich and interconnected with several other significant terms:
* **חָיָה (châyâh) `{{H2421}}`**: As noted, this is the primary root for "to live," "to be alive," and "to revive," sharing an almost identical semantic range with `{{H2425}}`. Many lexicons treat them as the same.
* **חַי (chay) `{{H2416}}`**: An adjective meaning "living" or "alive," often used to describe God as the "living God" ([[Jeremiah 10:10]]) or to refer to "living water" ([[Jeremiah 2:13]]). It also serves as a noun for "life" or "living thing."
* **חַיִּים (chayyim) `{{H2416}}`**: The plural form of chay, commonly translated as "life." This plural often denotes the fullness or abundance of life (e.g., "tree of life" [[Genesis 2:9]]).
* **נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh) `{{H5315}}`**: Often translated as "soul," "self," or "person," but fundamentally refers to the "living being" or "life breath." The nephesh *is* alive, and its state is intimately tied to the concept of châyay.
* **רוּחַ (ruach) `{{H7307}}`**: Meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath." It is the ruach of God that imparts life ([[Genesis 2:7]], [[Ezekiel 37:9]]), and its withdrawal leads to death ([[Psalm 104:29]]).
### Theological Significance
The root חָיַי `{{H2425}}`, in its broad application within the Hebrew Bible, carries profound theological weight:
* **God as the Author and Sustainer of Life:** The most fundamental theological truth conveyed by this root is that Yahweh alone is the source of all life. He is the "living God" who gives life, sustains it, and has power over death itself. Human life is not inherent but a gracious gift, utterly dependent on divine providence.
* **Life as Covenantal Blessing:** For Israel, life, in its fullest sense, was inextricably linked to their relationship with God. Obedience to His covenant brought "life" – not merely physical existence, but flourishing, peace, and well-being in the land. Disobedience led to a state of "death" or decline, even if physically alive. This highlights the holistic nature of biblical "life," encompassing physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions.
* **Redemption and Revival:** The causative sense of châyay points to God's redemptive power. He can "revive" those who are spiritually dead, restore a nation in exile, or literally bring the dead back to life. This foreshadows the ultimate resurrection and spiritual regeneration offered through God's saving work.
* **The Call to Choose Life:** The repeated admonition to "choose life" ([[Deuteronomy 30:19]]) underscores human responsibility in responding to God's offer. This choice is not merely about physical survival but about embracing a life of devotion and obedience to God, which leads to true vitality and blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew root חָיַי (châyay) `{{H2425}}` signifies "to live" in its most comprehensive sense, ranging from physical existence and vitality to spiritual flourishing and national preservation. While often considered synonymous with the more prevalent חָיָה `{{H2421}}`, its core meaning underscores God's singular role as the giver, sustainer, and restorer of all life. This concept permeates biblical theology, emphasizing that life is a divine gift, a covenantal blessing contingent on obedience, and a manifestation of God's redemptive power over death and decay. The call to "live" is ultimately a call to a vibrant, God-centered existence.
TRV