a primitive root (apparently akin to חָקָה through the idea of piercing); properly, to adhere to; hence, to await; long, tarry, wait.
Transliteration:châkâh
Pronunciation:khaw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root חָכָה (châkâh, `{{H2442}}`) is a primitive verb whose core meaning revolves around the concept of patient and often expectant waiting. While its etymological connection to חָקָה (châqâh, `{{H2710}}`), meaning "to engrave" or "to decree," suggests an initial idea of "adhering to" or "being fixed," its primary usage in the biblical text consistently translates to "to await," "to long for," "to tarry," or simply "to wait." This waiting is rarely passive; rather, it implies an active posture of anticipation, dependence, and often hope. The nuance of "tarrying" suggests a deliberate delay, often for a specific purpose or in expectation of a particular outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָכָה (châkâh, `{{H2442}}`) in the Hebrew Bible highlight its various applications, predominantly in the context of human interaction with the divine:
* **Waiting for the Lord's Deliverance and Guidance:** A prominent usage is found in the Psalms and Prophets, where individuals or the community wait for Yahweh. In [[Psalm 33:20]], the psalmist declares, "Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." This illustrates a posture of trust and dependence, acknowledging God as the source of salvation and protection. Similarly, [[Proverbs 20:22]] admonishes, "Say not, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee," linking waiting to divine justice and rescue. This waiting is not idleness but a confident reliance on God's timing and intervention.
* **Waiting for Divine Revelation or Counsel:** In [[Psalm 106:13]], a negative example is presented: "They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel." Here, the failure to "wait" implies a lack of patience and trust in God's wisdom and guidance, leading to disobedience. This underscores the importance of patient receptivity to God's leading.
* **God Waiting for Humanity:** Remarkably, the verb is also applied to God Himself. [[Isaiah 30:18]] declares, "Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." This profound verse reveals God's patient long-suffering and His active desire to pour out grace and mercy upon His people. His "waiting" is an expression of His unfailing love and readiness to bless those who turn to Him.
* **Waiting for the Fulfillment of Promises:** [[Isaiah 64:4]] (KJV) states, "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waits for him." This verse connects patient waiting with the reception of extraordinary divine blessings, emphasizing that God's prepared good is for those who faithfully anticipate His action.
### Related Words & Concepts
חָכָה (châkâh, `{{H2442}}`) exists within a semantic field of words related to waiting and hope in Hebrew, often overlapping in meaning but with distinct nuances:
* **קָוָה (qāvāh, `{{H6960}}`):** This is perhaps the closest synonym, frequently translated as "to wait," "to hope," or "to look eagerly for." While both חָכָה and קָוָה convey waiting, קָוָה often carries a stronger connotation of eager expectation and hope, as if stretching out or binding oneself to the object of waiting. חָכָה can sometimes imply a more patient, even enduring, tarrying, though it also encompasses hope.
* **יָחַל (yāḥal, `{{H3176}}`):** Another significant term for "to wait" or "to hope," often emphasizing the act of hoping with expectation and confidence.
* **עָמַד (ʿāmād, `{{H5975}}`):** "To stand," which can sometimes imply a waiting posture, especially in a legal or official context, though without the inherent nuance of patient expectation found in חָכָה.
* **דּוּמִיָּה (dûmiyyāh, `{{H1747}}`):** "Silence," "quietness," or "waiting quietly," as seen in [[Psalm 62:1]], where the soul waits in silence for God, suggesting a quiet, submissive waiting that can accompany חָכָה.
The concept of "patience" (e.g., אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם, 'erekh 'appayim, "long of nose/anger," meaning "longsuffering") is deeply intertwined with the act of waiting expressed by חָכָה.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָכָה (châkâh, `{{H2442}}`) is profound, shaping both the human posture before God and revealing aspects of divine character:
* **Human Dependence and Faith:** The frequent command or description of humanity "waiting for the Lord" underscores a fundamental theological truth: humanity's utter dependence on God. This waiting is an act of faith, demonstrating trust in God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and perfect timing, even when circumstances are difficult or answers are delayed. It is a surrender of self-reliance for divine provision and intervention.
* **God's Patient Grace:** The remarkable instance in [[Isaiah 30:18]] where God "waits" to be gracious is a powerful revelation of divine love and patience. It portrays a God who is not distant or indifferent but actively desires to bless and show mercy, holding back only for the opportune moment when His people are ready to receive. This divine waiting is an expression of His steadfast love and justice.
* **Cultivation of Spiritual Virtue:** The act of waiting, as expressed by חָכָה, cultivates virtues such as patience, perseverance, humility, and hope. It forces individuals to confront their limitations and to lean more fully on God. It is a spiritual discipline that refines character and deepens reliance on the divine.
* **Anticipation of Divine Fulfillment:** In a broader redemptive-historical sense, חָכָה speaks to the anticipation of God's ultimate plans and promises, whether the coming of the Messiah, the establishment of His kingdom, or the final restoration. It embodies the hope of the believer for future divine action.
### Summary
חָכָה (châkâh, `{{H2442}}`) is a vital Hebrew verb signifying a patient and often expectant waiting. While rooted in the idea of "adhering to," its primary biblical usage conveys "to await," "to tarry," or "to long for." This waiting is not passive but an active posture of trust and dependence, most frequently directed towards the Lord. It highlights humanity's reliance on God for deliverance, guidance, and the fulfillment of His promises. Critically, it also reveals God's own patient and gracious character as He "waits" to show mercy to His people. Alongside terms like קָוָה (qāvāh, `{{H6960}}`), חָכָה underscores the theological virtues of faith, hope, and perseverance in the divine-human relationship.
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