the same as חֵלֶק; portion; Chelek, an Israelite; Helek.
Transliteration:Chêleq
Pronunciation:khay'-lek
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2507}}` (חֵלֶק, *Chêleq*) functions primarily as a proper noun, identifying an individual and, by extension, the family line descended from him. Its semantic root lies in the common noun `{{H2506}}` (חֵלֶק), which carries the core meaning of "portion," "share," "part," or "allotment." This underlying meaning is crucial for understanding the significance of the proper name. Thus, "Helek" can be understood to signify "portion" or "inheritance," reflecting the concept of an allocated share or a divinely appointed destiny.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H2507}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in contexts related to the tribal divisions and the allocation of land in Canaan.
1. **[[Numbers 26:30]]**: In the census of the second generation of Israelites in the wilderness, Helek is identified as one of the sons of Gilead, who was a son of Manasseh. The text states, "These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites." Here, Helek is established as a patriarchal figure, the eponymous ancestor of one of the major families within the tribe of Manasseh. This verse highlights his role in the lineage of Israel and the formation of its tribal structure.
2. **[[Joshua 17:2]]**: This passage details the inheritance of the land within the tribe of Manasseh. It specifies, "There was also a lot for the rest of the sons of Manasseh according to their families: for the sons of Abiezer, for the sons of Helek, for the sons of Asriel, for the sons of Shechem, for the sons of Hepher, and for the sons of Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, according to their families." This verse directly links the family of Helek to the reception of their physical "portion" or "lot" of the Promised Land. The naming of the family after "Helek" (portion) is particularly apt in this context, as they are literally receiving their allotted share of the inheritance.
In both instances, `{{H2507}}` functions as a marker of identity for a specific family within the tribal structure, a family destined to receive a tangible inheritance in the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is the common noun `{{H2506}}` (חֵלֶק, *cheleq*), from which the proper noun `{{H2507}}` is derived. This word signifies "portion," "share," "inheritance," or "lot," and is used broadly in the Old Testament to refer to:
* A physical portion of land or goods (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:9]], [[Joshua 19:9]]).
* One's share in a feast or sacrifice (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 18:8]]).
* One's destiny or lot in life (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 9:6]], [[Job 20:29]]).
* Most profoundly, God Himself as the "portion" or "inheritance" of His people, particularly the Levites (e.g., [[Numbers 18:20]], [[Deuteronomy 18:2]], [[Psalm 16:5]], [[Lamentations 3:24]]).
Other related concepts include:
* Inheritance (נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`): This term is frequently used in conjunction with the distribution of the land to the tribes of Israel, a concept directly tied to the "portion" received by the Helekites.
* Lot (גּוֹרָל, `{{H1486}}`): The method often used for dividing the land, emphasizing divine apportionment.
* Covenant fulfillment: The distribution of land to the families, including the Helekites, represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H2507}}`, "Helek," though a proper noun, carries profound theological weight due to its inherent meaning of "portion" or "inheritance."
1. **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**: The existence of the family of Helek, and their reception of a land portion, stands as a testament to God's meticulous and faithful provision for His people. It signifies that God is true to His promises, allocating a specific and tangible inheritance to each family within His covenant. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over the land and its distribution, ensuring that each family receives its divinely appointed share.
2. **Identity and Belonging**: For the Helekites, their name and their land portion provided a secure identity and a sense of belonging within the larger covenant community of Israel. It underscored their place in God's redemptive plan and their share in the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant.
3. **Theological Echoes of "Portion"**: While the Helekites received a physical land portion, the root meaning of "portion" (`{{H2506}}`) resonates with the deeper theological truth that God Himself is the ultimate "portion" or "inheritance" for His people, particularly for those dedicated to His service (e.g., the Levites). This concept elevates the idea of a physical inheritance to a spiritual reality, where God's presence and relationship are the most valuable possession. The name Helek, therefore, subtly points to the broader biblical theme of finding one's ultimate satisfaction and security in God.
### Summary
`{{H2507}}` (חֵלֶק, *Chêleq*) is a proper noun, the name of a grandson of Manasseh and the progenitor of a significant family within that tribe. Derived from the Hebrew word for "portion" or "share" (`{{H2506}}`), the name "Helek" aptly describes his family's role in receiving their allotted inheritance in the Promised Land, as recorded in [[Numbers 26:30]] and [[Joshua 17:2]]. The theological significance of `{{H2507}}` lies in its embodiment of God's faithful provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His sovereign allocation of blessings. It underscores the concept of a divinely appointed inheritance, both physical (land) and, by extension, spiritual (God Himself as the ultimate portion).
TRV