lemma חלִיפָה missing vowel, corrected to חֲלִיפָה; from חָלַף; alternation; change, course.
Transliteration:chălîyphâh
Pronunciation:khal-ee-faw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh, `{{H2487}}`) is derived from the verbal root חָלַף (chālap̄, `{{H2498}}`), which carries a semantic range encompassing "to pass on," "to pass away," "to change," and "to sprout again." Consequently, חֲלִיפָה itself primarily denotes "alternation," "change," or "succession." It describes a shift from one state, person, or thing to another, often implying a sequential, cyclical, or transformative process. The nuances of "change" can vary from a simple replacement or substitution to a profound transformation or the regular, ordered succession of events or individuals. It can also refer to a "fresh relay" or a "new course" of actions or personnel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a limited yet significant number of passages, each shedding light on its specific contextual meaning:
* In [[Job 10:17]], the word is found in Job's lament concerning God's actions toward him: "You renew your witnesses against me and increase your indignation toward me; changes (חֲלִיפָה) and a host are with me." Here, חֲלִיפָה suggests a continuous, perhaps relentless, succession of divine judgments or calamities, akin to "fresh relays" of attacks or renewed expressions of divine wrath. It emphasizes the ongoing and cumulative nature of Job's suffering.
* A profound theological statement is made in [[Job 14:14]]: "If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait, till my change (חֲלִיפָה) should come." In this context, "change" refers to the awaited transformation from death to a renewed state of existence. While not explicitly defining resurrection, it strongly hints at a hope for a new "course" of life beyond mortality, a definitive shift from the current state of decay to one of restoration or renewal. This usage underscores a deep yearning for eschatological hope.
* In [[1 Chronicles 27:1]], חֲלִיפָה describes the organized structure of the Israelite military and civil administration: "Now these are the heads of the fathers' houses, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all matters of the divisions (חֲלִיפָה) that came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, each division of twenty-four thousand." Here, חֲלִיפָה clearly denotes the regular, alternating "courses" or "divisions" of duty for the personnel. It highlights structured succession, organized service, and administrative order within the kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related term to חֲלִיפָה is its verbal root, חָלַף (chālap̄, `{{H2498}}`). This root's versatile semantic field includes "to pass away" (e.g., [[Psalm 90:5]]), "to change" (e.g., [[Genesis 31:7]]), and "to sprout again" (e.g., [[Job 14:7]], paralleling the hope in [[Job 14:14]]). The noun חֲלִיפָה encapsulates the outcome or process of these actions.
Other Hebrew words that convey notions of "change," "exchange," or "succession" include:
* שָׁנָה (shānâh, `{{H8138}}`): A verb meaning "to change" or "to alter" (e.g., [[Daniel 2:9]]).
* תְּמוּרָה (tᵉmûrâh, `{{H8545}}`): A noun meaning "exchange" or "substitute" (e.g., [[Leviticus 27:10]]).
* חֵלֶף (ḥēlep̄, `{{H2486}}`): A cognate noun, often used prepositionally, meaning "in exchange for" or "instead of" (e.g., [[Genesis 30:15]]).
* מַחֲלֹקֶת (maḥălōqet, `{{H4256}}`): A noun denoting a "division" or "course," particularly used for the divisions of priests and Levites in their temple service (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 24:1]]). This word shares a conceptual link with חֲלִיפָה in describing organized shifts of duty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh) is rich and varied, touching upon divine sovereignty, human hope, and the ordering of community life.
* In [[Job 10:17]], the "changes" underscore the mysterious and often overwhelming nature of God's dealings with humanity. It suggests a divine orchestration of events, even those that bring suffering, highlighting God's active involvement in the unfolding of human experience. From Job's perspective, it reflects a relentless divine pursuit, yet it implicitly points to the comprehensive nature of divine providence.
* The usage in [[Job 14:14]] carries profound eschatological weight. Job's longing for his "change" expresses a deep-seated human hope for transformation beyond death. This verse is often interpreted as an early, albeit nascent, biblical expression of hope in a future resurrection or a renewed state of existence after the grave. It points to a divine capacity to bring about radical transformation, even over the finality of death, offering a glimpse of divine power to usher in a new "course" of life.
* In [[1 Chronicles 27:1]], the "courses" signify the divine ordering and wisdom applied to human administration and service. It illustrates that even in practical matters of governance and military organization, there is a principle of structured succession and orderly service. This reflects God's character as a God of order, not chaos, and His desire for His people to live in a disciplined and organized manner, faithfully serving Him in their appointed "courses."
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲלִיפָה (chălîyphâh, `{{H2487}}`) fundamentally signifies "alternation," "change," or "succession," stemming from the root חָלָף (chālap̄, `{{H2498}}`). Its biblical occurrences illuminate its multifaceted meaning: in [[Job 10:17]], it denotes successive calamities or renewed divine actions; in [[Job 14:14]], it expresses a profound hope for a transformative "change" beyond death, hinting at a new state of being; and in [[1 Chronicles 27:1]], it describes the orderly "courses" or divisions of service. Theologically, חֲלִיפָה speaks to God's sovereign control over the dynamic ebb and flow of life and death, the enduring human yearning for ultimate transformation and renewal, and the divine preference for order and structured service within the community. It encapsulates the dynamic nature of existence under divine providence, from the relentless passing of time to the anticipated renewal of life.
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