from חָלַק; smooth (especially of tongue); flattering, smooth.
Transliteration:châlâq
Pronunciation:khaw-lawk'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective חָלָק (châlâq), Strong's number `{{H2509}}`, derives from the root חָלַק (châlaq `{{H2505}}`), which primarily means "to divide" or "to apportion," but also carries the sense of "to be smooth." As an adjective, חָלָק therefore denotes something that is physically "smooth," "polished," or "slippery." This literal sense can apply to objects or surfaces.
However, the more prominent and ethically significant semantic range in biblical usage is metaphorical, particularly when applied to speech. In this context, חָלָק describes words or lips that are "smooth," implying flattery, deceit, seduction, or insincere persuasion. Such speech lacks rough edges, being carefully crafted to please, manipulate, or mislead rather than to convey unvarnished truth. Thus, its range extends from literal smoothness to figurative deceitfulness and cunning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָלָק in the Hebrew Bible predominantly highlight its figurative meaning, especially concerning deceptive or alluring speech:
* **Proverbs 2:16, 5:3, 7:5**: In these passages, חָלָק describes the words of the "forbidden woman" or "foreigner." Her speech is "smoother than oil" ([[Proverbs 5:3]]), indicating its seductive and deceptive quality, designed to entice and lead astray. The smoothness here is a snare, masking destructive intent.
* **Proverbs 26:28**: "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Here, חָלָק is explicitly linked with "flattering" (or "smooth") speech that leads to ruin, underscoring its malicious and destructive nature.
* **Psalm 5:9**: "For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost part is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue." The "smoothness" of the tongue is here directly contrasted with truth and associated with inner destruction and the imagery of a deadly, open grave.
* **Psalm 12:2-3**: "Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lip and double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts." This psalm laments the pervasive deceit among humanity, specifically calling out "flattering lips" (חָלָק lips) as a manifestation of a "double heart," highlighting the hypocrisy and insincerity inherent in such speech. The psalmist prays for divine judgment against it.
* **Isaiah 30:10**: "who say to the seers, 'Do not see visions!' and to the prophets, 'Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions!'" Here, the people demand "smooth things" from the prophets, preferring comforting lies and illusions over uncomfortable truths and righteous demands from God. This reveals a spiritual complacency and a rejection of divine instruction for self-serving ease.
* **Daniel 11:32**: "He will corrupt with flattery those who violate the covenant." This verse describes a king who uses "flattery" (חֲלַקְלַקּוֹת, a related form emphasizing repeated smoothness/flattery) to corrupt those who have already abandoned their loyalty to God, indicating the power of smooth words to further lead people astray from truth and covenant faithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
חָלָק (châlâq `{{H2509}}`) is intimately connected to its root חָלַק (châlaq `{{H2505}}`), which can mean "to be smooth" in addition to "to divide" or "to apportion." While the "division" aspect is more prominent in other derivatives like חֵלֶק (cheleq `{{H2506}}`, "portion"), חָלָק as an adjective leans into the "smooth" quality.
The concept of "smoothness" in speech is often contrasted with:
* **Truth (אֱמֶת `{{H571}}`)**: חָלָק implies a departure from truth, an intention to obscure or distort reality.
* **Uprightness (יָשָׁר `{{H3477}}`)**: Smooth words are often crooked or devious, lacking the straightforwardness of integrity.
* **Sincerity (תָּמִים `{{H8549}}`)**: חָלָק speech is inherently insincere, stemming from a "double heart" rather than a whole one.
The semantic field of חָלָק includes:
* **Deceit and Lies**: It is a primary tool for falsehood.
* **Flattery**: Words designed to please or manipulate for selfish ends.
* **Seduction**: Used to entice and lead others into sin, particularly in the context of illicit relationships.
* **Manipulation**: Employed to control or influence others without genuine consent or for their detriment.
* **Hypocrisy**: Often involves a discrepancy between outward appearance (smooth words) and inner intent.
### Theological Significance
The consistent biblical portrayal of חָלָק (châlâq) reveals a profound theological concern regarding the nature of speech. God, who is truth and light, utterly abhors deceptive and flattering words.
1. **God's Nature and Truth**: The Lord is characterized by truth and faithfulness (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:4]], [[Psalm 33:4]]). Therefore, "smooth words" stand in direct opposition to divine character. They are a manifestation of ungodliness, a perversion of the gift of speech given by God.
2. **Moral Corruption**: חָלָק speech is consistently linked with moral corruption. It is the language of the wicked, the seducer, and the oppressor. It reveals a heart that lacks integrity and is willing to use words as weapons or snares. The condemnation of "flattering lips" in Psalm 12 underscores God's righteous judgment against such deceit, promising to "cut off" those who speak thus.
3. **Spiritual Danger**: For the listener, חָלָק words pose a significant spiritual danger. They are designed to lull one into a false sense of security, to distract from righteousness, or to lead into sin. The demand for "smooth things" from the prophets in Isaiah 30:10 illustrates a people's preference for comfortable lies over challenging truths, leading to spiritual blindness and rebellion against God's will.
4. **Call to Integrity**: The negative portrayal of חָלָק implicitly calls God's people to a life of integrity in speech. Believers are to speak truth in love ([[Ephesians 4:15]]), with words that are gracious and seasoned with salt ([[Colossians 4:6]]), not with manipulative flattery or deceit. The contrast highlights the importance of aligning one's words with one's heart and with God's truth.
### Summary
חָלָק (châlâq `{{H2509}}`) is a Hebrew adjective primarily denoting physical "smoothness." However, its profound biblical significance lies in its metaphorical application to speech. In this context, חָלָק describes words that are "smooth," "flattering," or "deceptive." Such speech is consistently portrayed as insincere, manipulative, and dangerous, often used for seduction, to obscure truth, or to avoid confronting uncomfortable realities. Key biblical passages, particularly in Proverbs and Psalms, condemn "flattering lips" as characteristic of the wicked and a source of ruin. Theologically, חָלָק underscores God's abhorrence of falsehood and highlights the spiritual peril of both speaking and being swayed by words that lack integrity. It stands in stark contrast to the divine call for truthfulness and uprightness in all communication, serving as a warning against the alluring but ultimately destructive nature of deceitful speech.
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