the same as חֶלֶב; fatness; Cheleb, an Israelite; Heleb.
Transliteration:Chêleb
Pronunciation:khay'-leb
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H2460}}` (חֵלֶב, *Chêleb*) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating an individual. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as `{{H2459}}`," which is the common noun חֵלֶב, meaning "fat," "richest," or "best part." Thus, while `{{H2460}}` identifies a person, its etymological root connects it to concepts of richness, abundance, and the choicest portion. Names in ancient Israel often carried significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or characteristics. Therefore, "Heleb" might have connoted prosperity, health, or a position of substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H2460}}` (Heleb) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the same individual, a prominent warrior in King David's army.
* In [[2 Samuel 23:29]], Heleb is listed as "Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite," among the "Thirty" (or "the Thirty-Seven," depending on interpretation), a distinguished group of David's mighty men. This list details the elite warriors who served David faithfully.
* The parallel account in [[1 Chronicles 11:30]] similarly identifies him as "Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite," confirming his status and lineage within this celebrated company.
His inclusion in these revered lists underscores his importance and skill as a warrior. The "Thirty" were not merely soldiers but an elite guard, trusted companions, and crucial figures in the establishment and defense of David's kingdom. The mention of his father, Baanah, and his hometown, Netophah (a town in Judah, known for its inhabitants' loyalty and military prowess), further grounds his identity within the socio-military fabric of the time. His presence among these heroes signifies his loyalty, bravery, and contribution to David's reign.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H2460}}` is its root, `{{H2459}}` (חֵלֶב, *chêlev*), the common noun for "fat." This word carries significant theological and cultural weight in the Old Testament:
* **Sacrificial Offerings:** In the Mosaic Law, the fat of sacrificial animals was considered the Lord's portion and was to be burned on the altar, symbolizing the offering of the best and choicest to God ([[Leviticus 3:16]], [[Leviticus 7:23-25]]). This prohibition against eating fat underscored its sacred dedication to Yahweh.
* **Symbol of Prosperity and Abundance:** "Fat" often symbolized health, strength, fertility, and prosperity, as seen in descriptions of a flourishing land or people ([[Deuteronomy 32:14]], [[Psalm 73:7]]).
* **"Best Part":** Beyond literal fat, `{{H2459}}` could metaphorically refer to the "best" or "choicest" of anything, such as the "fat of the land" ([[Genesis 45:18]]) or the "best of the oil" ([[Numbers 18:12]]).
Concepts related to Heleb's role include:
* **David's Mighty Men:** This elite group embodies loyalty, courage, and unwavering dedication to their king and, by extension, to God's anointed.
* **Military Service and Loyalty:** Heleb's life exemplifies the commitment required in service to a divinely appointed leader, a theme pervasive throughout the narratives of the monarchy.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2460}}` primarily identifies a historical person, Heleb's theological significance is derived from his context and the etymology of his name. As one of David's Mighty Men, Heleb participated in the divine plan for the establishment and security of the Davidic dynasty, through which the Messiah would ultimately come. His service, alongside others, contributed to the stability of the kingdom that prefigured the eternal reign of Christ.
The connection to `{{H2459}}` (fat) subtly echoes the principle of giving one's "best" to God. Though Heleb's name might have simply reflected a family's hope for prosperity, his life as a warrior for David implicitly demonstrates an offering of his strength, courage, and loyalty—the "best" of his service—to the king chosen by God. This resonates with the broader biblical theme that true worship involves offering one's choicest possessions and, indeed, one's very self in faithful obedience and service to the Lord. Heleb's presence in the biblical record, therefore, serves as a testament to the diverse individuals God uses to fulfill His purposes, even in roles seemingly mundane or primarily military.
### Summary
`{{H2460}}` (חֵלֶב, *Chêleb*) is a proper noun identifying Heleb, an Israelite warrior of significant standing during the reign of King David. He is listed among David's elite "Mighty Men" in both [[2 Samuel 23:29]] and [[1 Chronicles 11:30]]. While the word itself refers to a person, its etymological root is `{{H2459}}`, meaning "fat," "richest," or "best part," suggesting connotations of prosperity or choiceness. Heleb's inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights his loyalty, bravery, and crucial role in the military support of the Davidic kingdom. Theologically, his life of service, alongside his fellow warriors, exemplifies the principle of dedicating one's "best" to God's purposes, contributing to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the Davidic line.
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