### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châlâʼ**, represented by `{{H2456}}`, is a primitive root that means **to be sick; be diseased**. This term is highly specific in its usage, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible, within a single, poignant verse. Its sole appearance marks a critical moment in the life of a king, defining a state of physical sickness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The singular use of `{{H2456}}` is found in the narrative of King Asa's later years. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa **was diseased** in his feet with an ailment that became exceedingly great [[2 Chronicles 16:12]]. The verse pointedly notes that in his sickness, he did not seek the LORD but instead turned to physicians. This context uses `{{H2456}}` to establish not just a physical condition, but a spiritual test of where the king placed his trust in his time of suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context to the meaning of sickness and healing:
* `{{H2483}}` **chŏlîy** (from חָלָה; malady, anxiety, calamity; disease, grief, (is) sick(-ness)): This noun, appearing twice in the same verse as `{{H2456}}`, describes Asa's "disease" [[2 Chronicles 16:12]]. It is also used more broadly to refer to grief and sickness, as seen in Isaiah's description of the suffering servant being "acquainted with grief" [[Isaiah 53:3]] and bearing "our griefs" [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* `{{H609}}` **ʼÂçâʼ** (Asa, the name of a king and of a Levite): He is the subject who was "diseased" `{{H2456}}`. The dossier reveals that earlier in his reign, Asa had relied on God, crying out to the LORD for help against a great multitude [[2 Chronicles 14:11]] and was told that the LORD would be with him as long as he sought Him [[2 Chronicles 15:2]].
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure; cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole): This word is used for the "physicians" Asa sought [[2 Chronicles 16:12]]. It stands in direct contrast to the LORD, who identifies Himself as the one who "healeth" [[Exodus 15:26]] and who is praised for healing all diseases [[Psalms 103:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2456}}` is derived entirely from its unique context. It illustrates key principles about faith and reliance on God.
* **A Test of Trust:** The affliction described by `{{H2456}}` serves as a stark test for King Asa. His decision to seek physicians `{{H7495}}` rather than the LORD reveals a shift in his reliance away from the God he had previously sought [[2 Chronicles 16:12]].
* **The Source of Healing:** The narrative juxtaposes human healers with God as the divine healer. While Asa turned to men, scripture elsewhere affirms that the LORD is the one who heals the brokenhearted [[Psalms 147:3]], forgives iniquities, and heals `{{H7495}}` diseases [[Psalms 103:3]].
* **Spiritual Condition:** Asa's physical sickness `{{H2456}}` becomes a symbol of a spiritual problem. His failure to seek the LORD in his illness is the final act recorded about his reign, following a pattern where seeking or forsaking God has direct consequences [[2 Chronicles 15:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2456}}` **châlâʼ** is a term whose significance is not in its frequency but in its powerful narrative placement. Used only once to describe King Asa's foot disease, it functions as the centerpiece of a story about faith in the midst of suffering. It highlights the profound biblical theme that true healing and deliverance come from the LORD, forcing a choice between reliance on human ability and trust in God's power.
TRV