from חַכְלִיל; flash (of the eyes); in a bad sense, blearedness; redness.
Transliteration:chaklilûwth
Pronunciation:khak-lee-looth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2448 (חַכְלִלוּת, *chaklilûwth*) is derived from the root חַכְלִיל (chakliyl), which connotes a deep, dark red or a glowing redness. The base definition of chaklilûwth encompasses "flash (of the eyes)," "blearedness," or "redness." This semantic range suggests a visual quality related to the eyes, specifically their color or appearance. The "flash" might imply a vibrant, striking quality, perhaps indicative of vitality or intensity. Conversely, "blearedness" points to a less desirable state, possibly associated with fatigue, illness, or intoxication, where the eyes appear dull, inflamed, or bloodshot. The core idea is a prominent redness, the specific nuance of which is determined by its contextual usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2448 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Jacob's prophetic blessing over his son Judah:
> "His eyes will be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk." [[Genesis 49:12]]
In this singular occurrence, חַכְלִלוּת is directly linked with "eyes" (עֵינַיִם) and "wine" (מִיָּיִן). The phrase "his eyes will be red with wine" (חַכְלִלוּת עֵינַיִם מִיָּיִן) is juxtaposed with "his teeth white with milk," creating a parallelism that speaks to the future prosperity and abundance of the tribe of Judah. The "redness" of the eyes here is generally interpreted not as a sign of drunkenness or debilitation, but rather as a vivid indicator of such plentiful wine that it is consumed in great quantities, even to the point of affecting the eyes. This imagery, alongside the "whiteness of teeth from milk," paints a picture of a land overflowing with rich produce, where wine and milk are so abundant they become characteristic features of the people. It signifies a state of luxurious well-being and fertile dominion, fitting for the tribe from whom kingship would emerge.
### Related Words & Concepts
As H2448 is a hapax legomenon (appearing only once), its closest linguistic relative is its root, חַכְלִיל (chakliyl), which also signifies "red" or "dark-red." Other Hebrew words denoting "redness" include `{{H122}}` ('adom), a more general term for red, as seen in "red earth" or "red lentil stew," and `{{H255}}` ('odom), often referring to a reddish stone or dye.
Conceptually, chaklilûwth in [[Genesis 49:12]] is intertwined with:
* **Eyes (`{{H5869}}` 'ayin):** As the organ of sight, eyes are often symbolic of perception, understanding, or, as here, a visible manifestation of one's state or environment.
* **Wine (`{{H3196}}` yayin):** A staple of the ancient Near East, wine frequently symbolizes joy, celebration, prosperity, or, conversely, intoxication and judgment. In this context, it clearly points to abundance.
* **Milk (`{{H2461}}` chalav):** Another symbol of abundance, nourishment, and blessing, often paired with wine or honey to describe a land of plenty.
The imagery collectively evokes a state of flourishing and divine favor, where the very appearance of the people reflects the richness of their inheritance.
### Theological Significance
The solitary appearance of H2448 in Jacob's blessing upon Judah carries profound theological weight. This prophecy is a foundational text for understanding Judah's preeminence among the tribes of Israel. The "redness of eyes from wine" and "whiteness of teeth from milk" are not merely descriptions of material wealth; they are divinely inspired pronouncements of Judah's future prosperity and blessing. This abundance is a sign of God's covenant faithfulness and His intention to establish a powerful and fruitful lineage through Judah.
Significantly, this blessing anticipates the tribe of Judah as the royal line, from which kings would emerge, culminating in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The vibrancy and vitality implied by the "flash" or "redness" of the eyes, when interpreted positively, suggest a robust and strong tribe, fit for leadership. The imagery of overflowing wine and milk reinforces the idea of a blessed inheritance, a kingdom marked by peace and plenty under a righteous ruler. Thus, chaklilûwth serves as a small but potent piece of the larger prophetic tapestry, pointing to the glorious future of God's people and the ultimate reign of the Lion of Judah.
### Summary
H2448 (חַכְלִלוּת, *chaklilûwth*) is a unique Hebrew term meaning "flash (of the eyes), blearedness, or redness," derived from a root signifying "dark-red." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Genesis 49:12]] is within Jacob's blessing over Judah, where "his eyes will be red with wine" is presented in parallel with "his teeth white with milk." In this context, the "redness" of the eyes is overwhelmingly interpreted as a vivid sign of extraordinary abundance and prosperity, rather than intoxication. This imagery, along with related concepts of wine and milk, underscores the future blessing and fertile dominion of the tribe of Judah, the royal lineage from which the Messiah would ultimately arise. Thus, chaklilûwth contributes to a powerful prophetic vision of divine favor and the establishment of a prosperous kingdom.
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