or חֵק; and חוֹק; from an unused root, apparently meaning to inclose; the bosom (literally or figuratively); bosom, bottom, lap, midst, within.
Transliteration:chêyq
Pronunciation:khake
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the concept of "to inclose" or "to contain." This foundational meaning underpins its primary literal and figurative applications. Literally, חֵיק refers to the "bosom" or "lap," the area of the upper body or the space created by the seated thighs, signifying a place of intimate proximity, embrace, and security. It is a natural repository, capable of holding objects or receiving individuals. Figuratively, the term extends to denote the "midst" or "within," indicating an inner, concealed, or central position. This semantic range encompasses notions of intimacy, protection, hiddenness, and the reception or containment of something, whether physical or abstract.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, revealing its diverse applications.
In its literal sense, it frequently describes a physical space:
* As a place of carrying or concealment: [[Exodus 4:6]] recounts Moses putting his hand into his bosom, and it emerging leprous, then returning to his bosom and emerging whole. This illustrates the bosom as a private, accessible space.
* As a place of nurturing or holding: [[Ruth 4:16]] depicts Naomi taking the child Obed and laying him in her bosom, a tender image of maternal care and acceptance. Similarly, [[1 Kings 3:20]] describes a dead child being taken from the mother's bosom.
* As a place of intimate embrace: [[Proverbs 5:20]] warns against embracing the bosom of a foreign woman, highlighting the bosom as a locus of deep intimacy and sexual union. [[Proverbs 6:27]] uses the metaphor of carrying fire in one's bosom to illustrate the danger of illicit actions.
Figuratively, חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) often refers to an inner, secret, or receptive space:
* As a repository for recompense or judgment: [[Psalm 79:12]] prays for the reproach of adversaries to be returned "into their bosom" sevenfold, signifying a direct and inescapable consequence. [[Isaiah 65:7]] similarly speaks of recompensing their former work into their bosom. This usage implies that actions, whether good or evil, ultimately return to the one who performed them, affecting them personally and intimately.
* As a place of inaction or withholding: [[Psalm 74:11]] asks why God holds back His hand, even His right hand, "from Your bosom," suggesting a state of withheld action or hidden power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) is closely related to other Hebrew terms that convey intimacy, inner space, or protective containment.
* The verb חָבַק (ḥāvaq, `{{H2620}}`), meaning "to embrace," directly relates to the physical action often associated with the bosom or lap.
* Terms like קֶרֶב (qereḇ, `{{H7130}}`), meaning "midst" or "inward part," share the figurative sense of an inner, central space, though lacking the specific connotation of intimate embrace.
* The idea of a secure or hidden place can also be found in words related to refuge or shelter.
* While a Greek term, the concept of being "in the bosom of" is powerfully echoed in the New Testament with κόλπος (kolpos, `{{G2859}}`), as seen in [[John 1:18]] regarding Jesus in the bosom of the Father, or [[Luke 16:22-23]] concerning Lazarus in Abraham's bosom, underscoring a place of ultimate intimacy, security, and privileged relationship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) is multifaceted, drawing from its core meaning of intimate enclosure and containment.
* **Divine Intimacy and Revelation:** While not directly used for God's "bosom" in the Old Testament, the concept lays the groundwork for later theological developments. The bosom represents a place of profound intimacy, trust, and unique access. It points to the possibility of a close, personal relationship with the divine, where knowledge and truth are intimately shared, as exemplified by Christ's unique position in the Father's bosom ([[John 1:18]]).
* **Judgment and Recompense:** The recurring theme of recompense being poured "into the bosom" carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes the principle of divine justice, where actions, whether righteous or wicked, ultimately result in personal and inescapable consequences. This is not merely an external reward or punishment, but an internal, intimately received outcome that affects the very core of one's being. It underscores God's meticulous attention to human conduct and His unwavering commitment to righteousness.
* **Nurturing and Protection:** The imagery of a child in the bosom or lap evokes divine care, provision, and security. It speaks to God's tender, nurturing aspect, His ability to embrace and protect His people, offering them a place of rest and safety amidst life's challenges.
* **Hiddenness and Intent:** The bosom can also represent the hidden depths of a person's heart or intentions. What is held "in the bosom" can be secret, revealing that God sees beyond outward appearances into the true desires and motives of the heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֵיק (chêyq, `{{H2436}}`) primarily denotes the "bosom" or "lap," stemming from an unused root signifying "to inclose." Its semantic range extends from a literal place of physical intimacy, nurturing, and carrying to a figurative representation of an inner, hidden, or central space. Biblically, it describes tender care, intimate relationships, and crucially, the personal and inescapable reception of recompense for one's actions. Theologically, חֵיק points to profound divine intimacy, the certainty of divine justice where consequences return to the individual, and the nurturing, protective nature of God. It underscores the concept of a deeply personal relationship with the divine, where all things are intimately known and justly addressed.
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