from חֵלֶד; worldliness; Cheldai, the name of two Israelites; Heldai.
Transliteration:Chelday
Pronunciation:khel-dah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H2469}}`, transliterated as *Chelday* or *Heldai*, functions exclusively as a proper name in the biblical text. Its base definition indicates a derivation from `{{H2465}}` (חֵלֶד - *cheled*), which primarily signifies "world," "duration of life," or "lifetime." While the Strong's definition for `{{H2469}}` includes "worldliness," this is likely an interpretive extension of the root's meaning, suggesting a connection to the temporal or earthly realm. However, it is crucial to note that `{{H2469}}` itself is not an abstract noun meaning "worldliness," but rather a personal name. The semantic range, therefore, is limited to designating specific individuals, whose names conceptually link them to the idea of the "world" or "temporal existence."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2469}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Cheldai, the Netophathite (1 Chronicles 27:15):** This Cheldai is identified as one of David's thirty mighty men and later as a captain of the twelfth division of the army, serving during the twelfth month. He is specifically noted as being from Othniel's tribe. His inclusion among David's trusted administrators and military leaders highlights his position of responsibility and loyalty within the kingdom. The context portrays him as a faithful servant contributing to the stability and order of David's reign. The name here, though rooted in "world" or "lifetime," is borne by an individual whose actions are recorded as part of God's unfolding plan for Israel.
2. **Heldai, one of the exiles (Zechariah 6:10, 14):** In the post-exilic period, Heldai is mentioned alongside Tobijah and Jedaiah as one of the exiles who returned from Babylon, bringing silver and gold to Jerusalem. These precious metals were used to fashion crowns for Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing his royal and priestly authority. This Heldai is a participant in the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, demonstrating a commitment to rebuilding the community of faith after the exile. His contribution is significant, providing resources for a sacred purpose that points towards the coming Messiah. The variation in transliteration (Heldai vs. Chelday) does not indicate a different Hebrew lemma; both are `{{H2469}}`.
These occurrences illustrate that individuals bearing a name rooted in "world" or "lifetime" were active participants in significant moments of Israelite history, from the establishment of the kingdom to its post-exilic restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H2469}}` is its root, `{{H2465}}` (חֵלֶד - *cheled*). As noted, `{{H2465}}` denotes "world," "lifetime," or "duration." This connection invites reflection on the temporal nature of human existence (cheled) versus the eternal purposes of God. Other related concepts include:
* **Temporal Existence:** The idea that human life is finite and occurs within the bounds of time and the physical world.
* **Stewardship:** Individuals like Cheldai and Heldai, whose names evoke "the world," are depicted as faithful stewards of their time, talents, and resources within that world for divine purposes.
* **Contrast with Eternity:** The name's root can serve as a subtle reminder of the contrast between the fleeting "world" (cheled) and the enduring reality of God's kingdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2469}}` lies not in any inherent meaning of "worldliness" as a negative attribute, but in the paradox of a name rooted in "the world" being borne by individuals who serve God's eternal purposes within that world.
Both Cheldai in David's time and Heldai in Zechariah's era demonstrate lives of faithful service. Cheldai was instrumental in the administration of God's chosen king, David, contributing to the earthly manifestation of God's covenant promises. Heldai, centuries later, participated in the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the community, contributing to the high priest's consecration, an act laden with messianic expectation.
Their actions transcend a mere "worldly" focus, transforming their temporal existence into a vehicle for divine will. The name, therefore, implicitly challenges a purely secular understanding of "the world" (cheled). Instead, it suggests that even within the confines of temporal life, individuals can dedicate themselves to God's enduring kingdom. It underscores the biblical principle that our earthly lives, though fleeting, are given for God's glory and can have eternal impact.
### Summary
`{{H2469}}` (Chelday/Heldai) is a Hebrew proper name derived from `{{H2465}}` (חֵלְדּ - *cheled*), meaning "world" or "lifetime." While the root can imply a connection to temporal existence, the name itself designates two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative, neither of whom is portrayed negatively as "worldly." Cheldai served as a loyal military captain under King David, and Heldai contributed valuable resources to the post-exilic restoration in Jerusalem, specifically for the high priest's crown. The theological significance of these figures lies in their demonstration of faithful service within their respective "lifetimes" and "worlds," transforming their temporal existence into a means of advancing God's eternal purposes. Their lives exemplify how individuals whose very names evoke the temporal can be instrumental in God's redemptive plan.
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