English · KJV
H2481

חֲלִי

chălîy /khal-ee'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom חָלָה
Meaninga trinket (as polished)
KJV usagejewel, ornament.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chălîy — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word chălîy, represented by H2481, is a term for a trinket, jewel, or ornament. Derived from a root suggesting something polished, it appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible, making it a rare and specific term for valuable adornment.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, H2481 is used to illustrate great value and beauty. In Proverbs, it is used in a simile comparing a wise reprover to an ornament of fine gold, highlighting the preciousness of good counsel to an obedient ear Proverbs 25:12. In the Song of Solomon, the word describes the beauty of a prince's daughter, where the joints of her thighs are likened to jewels crafted by a cunning workman, emphasizing exquisite artistry and physical appeal Song of Solomon 7:1.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to frame the meaning of chălîy by association with value, beauty, and adornment:

  • H5141 nezem (earring, jewel): This word for a personal adornment, often a nose-ring or earring, appears in parallel with H2481 in the proverb valuing a wise reprover Proverbs 25:12.
  • H3800 kethem (fine gold): Defined as gold that is pure as originally mined, this term is used to describe the material of the ornament in Proverbs, underscoring its immense value and quality Proverbs 25:12.
  • H3302 yâphâh (beautiful): This root, meaning to be bright or beautiful, establishes the context for H2481 in the Song of Solomon, where the physical form is described as beautiful Song of Solomon 7:1.

Theological Significance

The significance of H2481 is primarily figurative, using a physical object to represent an abstract quality.

  • Symbol of Worth: The word consistently points to that which is highly valued. It is associated with fine gold and the work of a skilled artisan, establishing a high standard of worth (Proverbs 25:12, Song of Solomon 7:1).
  • Metaphor for Wisdom: The most direct theological application is in Proverbs, where a physical ornament becomes a metaphor for the beauty and value of wise correction. This suggests that moral and spiritual character possess a beauty comparable to a precious jewel Proverbs 25:12.
  • Idealized Beauty: In the Song of Solomon, its use contributes to an image of idealized and perfect beauty, comparing the human form to a masterfully crafted piece of jewelry Song of Solomon 7:1.

Summary

In summary, H2481 chălîy is a specific term for a precious ornament whose value is derived from both its material and craftsmanship. Though rare, its usage is powerful, serving as a potent metaphor for the exceptional worth and beauty of wisdom and as a descriptor for exquisite physical form. It demonstrates how scripture uses tangible images of adornment to convey concepts of great value and appeal.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • חֲלָאִים
  • חֲלִי

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H5141 נֶזֶם from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a nose-ring; earring, jewel. H3800 כֶּתֶם from כָּתַם; properly, something carved out, i.e. ore; hence, gold (pure as originally mined); ((most) fine, pure) gold( H3302 יָפָה a primitive root; properly, to be bright, i.e. (by implication) beautiful; be beautiful, be (make self) fair(-r), deck.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Proverbs and Song of Solomon (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
Proverbs
1
Song of Solomon

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.