(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָלַק; a part; portion.
Transliteration:chălâq
Pronunciation:khal-awk'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun חֲלָק (chălâq), Strong's number `{{H2508}}`, signifies "a part" or "a portion." It is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew חָלַק (chālaq, `{{H2505}}`), which means "to divide," "to apportion," or "to share." Thus, חֲלָק inherently carries the semantic weight of something that has been divided, allotted, or assigned as a share or destiny. It refers to a specific segment or allocation of something larger, often implying a distribution or a decreed lot.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, חֲלָק (chălâq) is found exclusively within the Aramaic sections of the Book of Daniel. Its occurrences are limited to a specific narrative concerning King Nebuchadnezzar's divine judgment.
* In [[Daniel 4:15]], following the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the decree states, "Let his portion (חֲלָק) be with the wild beasts in the grass of the earth." Here, "portion" refers to the king's decreed state of existence during his period of madness, a humbling and animalistic fate.
* Similarly, in [[Daniel 4:23]], the interpretation reiterates the decree: "and his portion (חֲלָק) with the beasts of the field." This reinforces the specific, divinely ordained lot assigned to Nebuchadnezzar.
* Finally, in [[Daniel 4:32]], the fulfillment of the prophecy is described: "and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; you shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will." The term חֲלָק (chălâq) is again used to describe this decreed state, emphasizing that it is an assigned "portion" or destiny rather than a chosen one.
In all instances, חֲלָק (chălâq) denotes a specific, divinely ordained share or lot, particularly one of judgment and humbling, imposed upon Nebuchadnezzar. It underscores a state of being that is not self-determined but externally, supernaturally assigned.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic cognate to חֲלָק (chălâq) is the Hebrew noun חֵלֶק (chēleq, `{{H2506}}`), which likewise means "portion," "share," "territory," or "heritage." This Hebrew term is much more widely used throughout the Old Testament, often referring to a land inheritance (e.g., [[Joshua 14:2]]), a share of spoils, or even one's spiritual lot or destiny (e.g., [[Psalm 16:5]]). The Aramaic חֲלָק (chălâq) captures a similar semantic range but is specifically employed in the context of a divinely decreed outcome.
Conceptually, חֲלָק (chălâq) is linked to ideas of:
* **Divine Decree:** The "portion" is not random but a specific outcome determined by God.
* **Judgment:** In the context of Daniel 4, the portion is a form of punitive judgment for pride.
* **Sovereignty:** It highlights God's absolute control over the destinies of individuals, even powerful rulers.
* **Allocation/Distribution:** The underlying root emphasizes the act of dividing and assigning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲלָק (chălâq) in Daniel is profound, despite its limited occurrences. It serves as a powerful testament to the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. Nebuchadnezzar, the most powerful monarch of his time, is shown to have no control over his own "portion" or destiny when it conflicts with the divine will. The "portion with the beasts" is not merely a physical state but a theological statement: God can humble the proudest and assign them a lot far removed from their perceived glory.
This usage of חֲלָק (chălâq) underscores several key theological truths:
1. **God's Ultimate Authority:** No human power, no matter how vast, can withstand or alter the portion decreed by the Most High.
2. **Divine Justice:** The "portion" is a just consequence for Nebuchadnezzar's pride and failure to acknowledge God's supremacy.
3. **Humility as a Prerequisite for Kingship:** The king's humbling "portion" serves to teach him that "the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom he will" [[Daniel 4:32]]. True authority is derived from humble submission to God.
4. **The Nature of Divine Intervention:** God actively intervenes in human history, not merely observing, but assigning destinies and portions according to His righteous will.
### Summary
The Aramaic word חֲלָק (chălâq, `{{H2508}}`) denotes "a part" or "a portion," derived from a root signifying division and apportionment. Its biblical usage is confined to the Book of Daniel, specifically in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar's humbling. In [[Daniel 4:15]], [[Daniel 4:23]], and [[Daniel 4:32]], חֲלָק describes the divinely decreed "portion" or state of existence assigned to Nebuchadnezzar during his period of madness, emphasizing a judgment and a profound humbling. Theologically, חֲלָק serves as a potent reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over human destiny, demonstrating His power to assign a "portion" or lot, even one of severe judgment, to those who fail to acknowledge His supreme authority. It highlights the transient nature of earthly power when confronted with the immutable will of the Most High.
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