### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chăkalyâh**, represented by `{{H2446}}`, is defined as "darkness of Jah." It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This name serves a very specific and singular purpose in the scriptural record: to identify an Israelite who was the father of the prominent leader, Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2446}}` is used exclusively to establish the parentage of Nehemiah. The book bearing Nehemiah's name opens by immediately identifying its author as "Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah" [[Nehemiah 1:1]]. This personal identification is reinforced later during a pivotal covenant ceremony, where the list of those who sealed the agreement begins with "Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah" [[Nehemiah 10:1]]. In both instances, the name provides the essential patriarchal context for Nehemiah's identity and authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Hachaliah's role as a father:
* `{{H5166}}` **Nᵉchemyâh** (consolation of Jah; Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites; Nehemiah): As the son of Hachaliah, Nehemiah is the central figure whose lineage is established by `{{H2446}}`. His name and his father's are explicitly linked in the book's introduction [[Nehemiah 1:1]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)...): This term is the grammatical link that connects Hachaliah to Nehemiah, establishing their direct father-son relationship. It is used in both verses where Hachaliah is mentioned ([[Nehemiah 1:1]], [[Nehemiah 10:1]]).
### Theological Significance
While not a figure of major theological weight himself, the mention of Hachaliah is significant for the narrative structure.
* **Patrilineal Identification:** The primary function of `{{H2446}}` is to ground Nehemiah in a specific family line. By naming him "the son of Hachaliah," the text employs a standard Hebrew genealogical identifier, lending historical credibility to the account [[Nehemiah 1:1]].
* **Context for Authority:** Hachaliah's name establishes Nehemiah as part of a family heritage, not as an isolated figure. This context is important as Nehemiah acts with significant authority as the "Tirshatha," or governor [[Nehemiah 10:1]].
* **Narrative Framing:** Hachaliah’s name appears at the very beginning of the book and again at the solemn sealing of the covenant, consistently reinforcing the identity of the story's main protagonist.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2446}}` serves as a vital, though brief, genealogical marker. The name **Chăkalyâh** has no independent story but is indispensable for establishing the identity and paternal lineage of Nehemiah, a key leader in the history of post-exilic Israel. Its limited but precise use underscores the biblical emphasis on heritage and family as foundational to an individual's identity and role in God's plan.
TRV