from an unused root apparently meaning to glide swiftly; life (as a fleeting portion of time); hence, the world (as transient); age, short time, world.
Transliteration:cheled
Pronunciation:kheh'-led
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2465 (חֶלֶד, *cheled*) derives from an unused root that apparently conveys the sense of "to glide swiftly." This etymological root is crucial for understanding the core meaning of *cheled*, which fundamentally describes existence marked by brevity and transience. Its primary semantic range encompasses two interconnected concepts:
1. **Life as a Fleeting Portion of Time:** In this sense, *cheled* refers to one's lifetime or age, but always with the inherent nuance of its limited duration. It emphasizes the swift passage of days and the brevity of human existence.
2. **The World as Transient:** Extending from the temporal sense, *cheled* can also refer to the "world" or "age" in which humans live, but again, this usage is imbued with the understanding of its impermanence. It is not the eternal, created order (like `{{H5769}}` *ʿôlām* or `{{H8398}}` *tēbēl*), but rather the temporal sphere of human activity, prone to decay and passing away.
Thus, *cheled* consistently points to the ephemeral nature of both individual human life and the earthly realm in which it is lived.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2465 (חֶלֶד, *cheled*) appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in poetic and wisdom literature, where its nuance of transience is particularly poignant.
* **[[Psalm 39:5]] (MT 39:6):** "Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime (חֶלֶד) is as nothing in Your sight; surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah." Here, *cheled* is explicitly linked to the brevity of human days, emphasizing the insignificance of human existence when compared to the eternal God. It underscores the fleeting nature of life.
* **[[Psalm 89:47]] (MT 89:48):** "Remember how short my time (חֶלֶד) is; for what futility have You created all the sons of men?" This verse echoes the sentiment of [[Psalm 39:5]], using *cheled* to lament the brevity of life and to question the purpose of human existence given its finite nature. The psalmist appeals to God based on the shared human condition of mortality.
* **[[Job 11:17]]:** "And your life (חֶלֶד) would be brighter than noonday; though darkness surrounded you, it would be like the morning." In Zophar's speech, *cheled* refers to one's life, presented as something that can be redeemed and made prosperous by turning to God. While still denoting a finite period, the emphasis here is on the quality or experience of that life.
* **[[Isaiah 38:11]]:** "I said, 'I will not see the LORD, the LORD, in the land of the living (חֶלֶד); I will no longer behold man among the inhabitants of the world (חֶלֶד).'" This verse from Hezekiah's prayer is particularly illustrative, as *cheled* appears twice. "Land of the living" (אֶרֶץ חֶלֶד) refers to the earthly realm where life is experienced, and "inhabitants of the world" (יֹשְׁבֵי חֶלֶד) refers to those who dwell in this transient sphere. Both instances reinforce the idea of this present world as a temporary abode for humanity.
* **[[Psalm 17:14]]:** "From men with Your hand, O LORD, from men of the world (חֶלֶד), whose portion is in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your treasure; they are satisfied with children, and leave their abundance to their babes." This passage describes "men of the world" (מִמְתִים מֵחֶלֶד) as those whose focus and satisfaction are entirely rooted in temporal, earthly possessions and achievements. *Cheled* here denotes the transient world, highlighting a contrast between those who live for this fleeting existence and those who seek their portion in God.
Across these contexts, *cheled* consistently evokes the idea of a limited, passing existence, whether referring to individual life or the temporal world itself.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by H2465 (חֶלֶד, *cheled*) resonates with several other biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **Temporal Words:**
* `{{H3117}}` (*yom*): "day," often used to denote a short period or the brevity of life (e.g., "few days").
* `{{H6256}}` (*ʿēth*): "time," "season," emphasizing specific, often limited, periods.
* `{{H5769}}` (*ʿôlām*): "eternity," "age." *Cheled* stands in stark contrast to *ʿôlām*, highlighting the finite nature of human existence and the present world versus God's unending nature.
* **Life and Existence:**
* `{{H2416}}` (*chay*): "life," "living." While *chay* can refer to life in general, *cheled* specifically emphasizes its finite and transient aspect.
* **World and Earth:**
* `{{H776}}` (*ʾerets*): "land," "earth." While *ʾerets* can denote the physical globe, *cheled* when referring to the "world" carries the specific connotation of its impermanence as a human dwelling.
* `{{H8398}}` (*tēbēl*): "world," "inhabited earth." Similar to *ʾerets*, but *cheled* focuses on the transient nature of that inhabited sphere.
* **Concepts of Transience and Mortality:**
* `{{H1892}}` (*hevel*): "vanity," "breath," "futility." This concept, prominent in Ecclesiastes, strongly aligns with the transient nature implied by *cheled*, underscoring the ephemeral and often meaningless pursuit of earthly things.
* Human mortality, the brevity of life, and the fleeting nature of all earthly endeavors are central themes explored through *cheled*.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2465 (חֶלֶד, *cheled*) lies in its profound articulation of human finitude and the transient nature of the created order in contrast to the eternal, immutable God.
1. **Human Mortality and Dependence:** *Cheled* serves as a stark reminder of humanity's limited lifespan and inherent mortality. This realization is not meant to induce despair, but rather to foster humility and a recognition of utter dependence on the Creator. It prompts the psalmist to pray for wisdom to number one's days ([[Psalm 90:12]]), recognizing that life's brevity necessitates a purposeful and God-centered existence.
2. **Critique of Earthly Orientation:** By describing "men of the world" (מִמְתִים מֵחֶלֶד) as those whose portion is solely in this life ([[Psalm 17:14]]), *cheled* offers a theological critique. It challenges the notion that ultimate satisfaction or security can be found in temporal possessions or achievements. Such an orientation is deemed shortsighted, as the "world" itself is fleeting.
3. **Emphasis on God's Eternity:** The transience of *cheled* implicitly highlights the enduring nature of God. While human life and the earthly realm pass away, God remains eternal, His years without end. This contrast invites believers to place their hope and security not in the fleeting *cheled*, but in the everlasting God.
4. **Call to Eternal Perspective:** Understanding life as *cheled* encourages an eternal perspective. It shifts focus from accumulating earthly treasures to seeking spiritual realities and building a relationship with the eternal God, whose kingdom is not of this transient world.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2465 (חֶלֶד, *cheled*) vividly portrays the transient nature of human life and the world. Rooted in a sense of swift gliding, it encapsulates the brevity of one's lifetime and the impermanence of the earthly sphere. Biblical occurrences, primarily in poetic literature, consistently underscore this fleeting quality, whether lamenting the shortness of days or critiquing those whose sole focus is on this passing world. Theologically, *cheled* serves as a potent reminder of human mortality and dependence on an eternal God, contrasting the finite nature of existence with the limitless being of the Creator. It calls believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual realities over the ephemeral pursuits of this temporary *cheled*.
TRV