a primitive root (compare חָלָה); to be sick; be diseased.
Transliteration:châlâʼ
Pronunciation:khaw-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חָלָא (châlâʼ), Strong's number `{{H2456}}`, is presented as a primitive root with the core meaning "to be sick" or "to be diseased." The Strong's definition specifically notes its comparison to the more commonly attested root חָלָה (châlâ, `{{H2470}}`), which also denotes physical illness, weakness, or grief. While חָלָא itself does not appear as an independent verbal form in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, its inclusion in lexicons suggests an inferred root from which other words might be derived, or it serves as a semantic cognate to חָלָה. Its fundamental meaning points to a state of physical impairment, infirmity, or a departure from health and well-being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the root חָלָא (châlâʼ, `{{H2456}}`) does not appear as an attested verbal form in the extant Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its inclusion in Strong's Concordance is likely due to its close etymological relationship with, or as a proposed variant of, the more frequently occurring root חָלָה (châlâ, `{{H2470}}`). Therefore, direct contextual analysis of specific biblical occurrences for `{{H2456}}` is not possible. The concept of "sickness" or "disease," however, is pervasive throughout the biblical narrative, often conveyed through `{{H2470}}` and its derivatives, as well as other related terms. These occurrences typically describe physical ailments, the process of becoming ill, or the state of being afflicted by disease. The absence of `{{H2456}}` as an independent verb in the text underscores the prominence of `{{H2470}}` as the primary term for "sickness" in biblical Hebrew.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to חָלָא (châlâʼ, `{{H2456}}`) is חָלָה (châlâ, `{{H2470}}`), which carries the meaning "to be sick," "to be weak," "to be grieved," or "to be wounded." Derivatives of `{{H2470}}` include nouns like מַחֲלֶה (maḥăleh, `{{H4245}}`), meaning "sickness" or "disease" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:59]], [[Jeremiah 14:18]]), and תַּחֲלוּאִים (taḥălu'îm, `{{H8463}}`), referring to "diseases" or "sore sicknesses" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 29:22]]). Other related concepts and words include:
* מַכְאֹב (makʼôb, `{{H4341}}`): "pain," "sorrow," "grief" (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:3]]).
* נֶגַע (negaʻ, `{{H5061}}`): "plague," "stroke," "affliction," often referring to a divinely sent disease (e.g., [[Leviticus 13:2]], [[Psalm 38:11]]).
* מָרַץ (marats, `{{H4846}}`): "to be sick," "to be diseased," often implying a chronic or severe condition (e.g., [[Isaiah 17:11]]).
* רָפָא (raphaʼ, `{{H7495}}`): "to heal," the antonym to sickness, highlighting God's restorative power (e.g., [[Exodus 15:26]]).
These terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of human vulnerability to physical suffering in the biblical worldview.
### Theological Significance
While חָלָא (châlâʼ, `{{H2456}}`) itself does not appear in the biblical text, the underlying concept of sickness and disease, strongly associated with its cognate חָלָה (châlâ, `{{H2470}}`), carries profound theological significance. Sickness is often presented as a consequence of the Fall, a manifestation of the brokenness and curse upon creation (e.g., [[Genesis 3:17-19]]). It can be depicted as a direct result of sin and divine judgment (e.g., [[Psalm 38:3]], [[Deuteronomy 28:58-61]]), serving as a disciplinary measure or a call to repentance. Conversely, sickness can also be a test of faith, as seen in the book of Job, where suffering is not directly linked to personal sin but serves a higher divine purpose.
The Bible also presents God as the ultimate source of healing, often referred to as "Yahweh Rapha" ("The LORD who heals you," [[Exodus 15:26]]). This highlights God's compassion, power, and covenant faithfulness. Prophets like Isaiah speak of a future messianic age where sickness will be eradicated, and the suffering servant will bear the infirmities of His people (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:4-5]], [[Isaiah 33:24]]). Thus, the concept of sickness, even through an un-attested root like `{{H2456}}`, points to the fallen human condition, the justice and mercy of God, and the ultimate hope of divine restoration and complete healing in the eschatological future.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma חָלָא (châlâʼ, `{{H2456}}`) is a primitive root meaning "to be sick" or "to be diseased." Although it does not appear as an independent verb in the Masoretic Text, its meaning is closely associated with and likely inferred from the more common and semantically similar root חָלָה (châlâ, `{{H2470}}`). Therefore, direct biblical occurrences and contextual analyses for `{{H2456}}` are absent. Nevertheless, the concept of sickness, as conveyed through `{{H2470}}` and other related terms, holds significant theological weight in the biblical narrative, reflecting the consequences of sin, the fragility of human existence, the disciplinary or testing hand of God, and ultimately, the divine power and promise of healing and restoration.
TRV