by reduplication from חוּל; contorted; Chalchul, a place in Palestine; Halhul.
Transliteration:Chalchûwl
Pronunciation:khal-khool'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl), Strong's number `{{H2478}}`, is a proper noun referring to a geographical location. Its etymology is particularly insightful, being derived by reduplication from the root חוּל (chûl), which conveys meanings such as "to writhe, twist, dance, travail, or be in pain." The reduplication intensifies this core meaning, suggesting something intensely "contorted" or "writhing." As a place name, it likely describes a prominent physical characteristic of the area, such as rugged, winding terrain, or perhaps even a place known for the arduous labor of its inhabitants. Unlike verbs or adjectives, its semantic range is fixed to its identity as a specific location within the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:58]]: "Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor, and Ma'arath, and Beth-anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages."
In this passage, חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl) is listed as one of the cities in the hill country (the Shephelah and the Judean Highlands) allotted to the tribe of Judah. The context is the meticulous detailing of the tribal inheritances after the conquest of Canaan. Its inclusion underscores the precise nature of the land distribution, reflecting a divinely ordered apportionment of territory to the twelve tribes. As a geographical marker, it serves to delineate the boundaries and specific holdings of Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl) is derived, namely חוּל (chûl) `{{H2342}}`. This root is rich in meaning and appears frequently in various forms throughout the Old Testament, denoting:
* **Travail or birth pains:** Often used metaphorically for intense suffering or the pangs of judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 13:8]], [[Jeremiah 4:31]]).
* **Trembling or shaking:** Indicating a physical or emotional response to awe, fear, or divine presence (e.g., [[Psalm 77:18]]).
* **Whirling or dancing:** Describing movement, often in a circular or ecstatic fashion (e.g., [[Judges 21:21]]).
The "contorted" aspect of the root, applied to a place name, could suggest difficult, winding paths or a rugged landscape. Other related concepts include the broader theme of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah `{{H5159}}`) in Joshua, and the detailed "allotment" of land, which is a central theme in the book.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl) does not carry an explicit theological doctrine in itself. However, its inclusion in the biblical text is replete with implicit theological significance.
1. **Fulfillment of Promise:** Its presence in the detailed list of Judah's inheritance in [[Joshua 15]] serves as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Every city named, including חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl), testifies to the divine precision in the distribution of the promised land.
2. **Divine Providence:** The meticulous detail of the land allotment underscores God's active involvement and sovereign providence in the affairs of His people, down to the specific geographical locations they were to inhabit.
3. **Symbolism of the Name (Potential):** While speculative, the name's root meaning of "contorted" or "writhing" could subtly allude to the challenging nature of the Judean hill country—a rugged terrain that required significant effort to settle, cultivate, and defend. This might implicitly speak to the struggles and perseverance required to possess God's blessings, even when they are divinely granted. It reminds us that even within God's perfect plan, there can be elements of difficulty or "contortion" that require steadfast faith.
### Summary
חַלְחוּל (Chalchûwl), Strong's number `{{H2478}}`, is a singular occurrence in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in [[Joshua 15:58]] as a city within the tribal allotment of Judah. Derived from a root meaning "contorted" or "to writhe," its name likely describes the rugged topography of its location in the Judean hill country. While not a word with direct theological usage, its inclusion in the meticulous account of Israel's inheritance profoundly underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises and His sovereign providence in providing for His people. It stands as a testament to the tangible reality of God's land grant, a specific point within the divinely ordered geography of the promised land.
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