or חֵלֶץ; from חָלַץ; perhaps, strength; Chelets, the name of two Israelites; Helez.
Transliteration:Chelets
Pronunciation:kheh'-lets
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2503}}` (חֶלֶץ, Chelets) functions primarily as a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology traces back to the verbal root `{{H2502}}` (חָלַץ, *chalats*), which possesses a rich and varied semantic range. The core meaning of `{{H2502}}` involves the idea of "drawing out" or "pulling off," from which several significant nuances emerge:
1. **To Draw Out/Deliver:** This can refer to physical extraction, such as pulling off shoes or drawing out a sword, but also metaphorically to "deliver" or "rescue" someone from peril or distress ([[Psalm 34:7]]).
2. **To Equip/Arm:** In a military context, it signifies "to be equipped" or "armed for battle," implying readiness and preparedness ([[Numbers 32:17]], [[Deuteronomy 3:18]]).
3. **To Be Strong/Ready:** Arising from the context of arming for battle or being delivered, the root can convey the sense of being "strong," "vigorous," or "ready for action."
Given this root, the proper name חֶלֶץ (Chelets) is most plausibly interpreted as signifying "strength," "readiness," or "deliverance." The base definition provided, "perhaps, strength," aligns well with the active and robust implications of the root `{{H2502}}`. As a personal name, it would likely have been bestowed with the hope or recognition of these qualities in the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2503}}` (Chelets or Helez) appears in the Old Testament referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **Helez the Paltite/Ephraimite:** This Helez is a prominent figure, listed among David's thirty mighty men.
* In [[2 Samuel 23:26]], he is identified as "Helez the Paltite," indicating his origin from Beth-pelet in Judah or a related locality.
* [[1 Chronicles 11:27]] similarly lists him among the valiant men, "Helez the Paltite."
* Crucially, [[1 Chronicles 27:10]] provides further detail, identifying him as "Helez the Ephraimite," one of the twelve captains of the army divisions, serving in the seventh month. This verse also confirms his tribal affiliation as Ephraim, suggesting either a dual tribal connection or a different designation in the Chronicler's account. His role as a captain of a monthly division underscores his military prowess and leadership. The name "strength" or "readiness" perfectly suits a man of such valor and strategic importance in David's elite forces. His inclusion in these lists highlights his significant contribution to David's kingdom.
2. **Helez, a Descendant of Judah:**
* [[1 Chronicles 2:39]] mentions "Helez" as a descendant in the lineage of Judah, specifically through Ezrah. This occurrence is purely genealogical, providing no further contextual information about the individual's life or deeds. It serves primarily to trace the lineage within the tribe of Judah.
The more significant occurrences, therefore, are those related to David's mighty man, where the name's implied meaning of "strength" or "readiness" resonates deeply with the character's role and reputation as a warrior.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H2503}}` (חֶלֶץ, Chelets) is its verbal root, `{{H2502}}` (חָלַץ, *chalats*). Understanding this root is essential for grasping the full semantic potential of the proper name.
* **Deliverance and Rescue:** The root `{{H2502}}` is frequently used in contexts of divine or human deliverance. For instance, [[Psalm 34:7]] speaks of the Angel of the Lord delivering those who fear Him. [[Psalm 91:3]] uses it in reference to God delivering from the snare of the fowler. This aspect of the root implies protection, salvation, and liberation.
* **Preparation and Readiness:** Another key usage is in the context of preparing for war or action. [[Numbers 32:17]] states, "we ourselves will be armed (וַאֲנַחְנוּ נֵחָלֵץ) ready to go before the people of Israel." This denotes a state of being equipped, ready, and committed to a task.
* **Strength and Vigor:** While not always directly translated as "strength," the actions implied by `{{H2502}}` – such as being armed for battle or delivering others – inherently require strength, vigor, and resolve. This aligns with the "perhaps, strength" meaning given to `{{H2503}}`.
Concepts related to `{{H2503}}` thus include:
* **Valor and Courage:** Qualities exemplified by Helez the Paltite.
* **Preparedness:** The readiness to act or serve.
* **Divine Aid/Deliverance:** The theological backdrop against which human strength is often understood in the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, the theological significance of `{{H2503}}` (Chelets) is primarily indirect, drawing on the connotations of its root and the character of the individuals who bore it.
1. **Human Strength in Divine Service:** The most prominent bearer of the name, Helez of David's mighty men, embodies the ideal of human strength and valor consecrated to God's purposes through loyalty to His anointed king. His name, "Strength" or "Readiness," highlights the biblical value placed on physical and mental fortitude when employed in righteous endeavors, particularly in defending God's people and establishing His kingdom. This reflects a theology where human capabilities are not negated but are seen as gifts to be utilized for divine ends.
2. **God as the Ultimate Deliverer and Strength:** While the name suggests human strength, the broader biblical context consistently points to God as the ultimate source of all strength and deliverance. [[Psalm 18:1-2]] proclaims, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Thus, a name like "Helez" can serve as a subtle reminder that even the strongest human warrior derives his power from the Almighty.
3. **The Importance of Readiness:** The "readiness" aspect of the root `{{H2502}}` carries theological weight, emphasizing the call for God's people to be prepared for service, for spiritual warfare, and for the coming of the Lord ([[Matthew 24:44]]).
In essence, the name Chelets subtly underscores the biblical appreciation for strength, preparedness, and the capacity for deliverance, all within a framework that ultimately attributes such qualities to God's enabling grace.
### Summary
`{{H2503}}` (חֶלֶץ, Chelets) is a Hebrew proper name derived from the verbal root `{{H2502}}` (חָלַץ, *chalats*), meaning "to draw out," "deliver," "equip," or "be strong/ready." The name itself is most commonly interpreted as "strength" or "readiness." It is borne by two individuals in the Old Testament: a descendant of Judah mentioned in a genealogical list ([[1 Chronicles 2:39]]), and more notably, Helez the Paltite/Ephraimite, one of David's valiant mighty men and a captain of a monthly division ([[2 Samuel 23:26]], [[1 Chronicles 11:27]], [[1 Chronicles 27:10]]). The context of David's warrior strongly aligns with the name's connotations of valor, military prowess, and preparedness. Theologically, the name points to the value of human strength and readiness when consecrated to God's service, while implicitly acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all power and deliverance.
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