patronymically from חֵלֶק; a Chelkite or descendant of Chelek; Helkites.
Transliteration:Chelqîy
Pronunciation:khel-kee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *Chelqîy* (חֶלְקִי, `{{H2516}}`) is a patronymic noun, signifying "a descendant of Helek" or "belonging to the clan of Helek." It is directly derived from the proper noun *Helek* (חֵלֶק), which itself is related to the common Hebrew noun *cheleq* (חֵלֶק, `{{H2506}}`), meaning "portion," "share," or "inheritance." Thus, *Chelqîy* literally denotes "one of the portion" or "one belonging to the share," identifying a specific lineage. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively serving as an identifier for a particular family or clan within ancient Israelite society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *Chelqîy* (`{{H2516}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, specifically in [[Numbers 26:30]]. This occurrence is found within the detailed account of the second census of Israel, conducted in the plains of Moab before their entry into the Promised Land. The purpose of this census was to enumerate the fighting men of Israel by their ancestral houses and clans, in preparation for the division of the land by lot, according to the size of each family.
[[Numbers 26:30]] states: "and of Helek, the family of the Helkites (הַחֶלְקִי)." This verse identifies the "Helkites" as one of the clans descended from Helek, who was himself a son of Gilead, and therefore a grandson of Machir, the son of Manasseh ([[Numbers 26:29-30]]). The inclusion of the Helkites in this meticulous genealogical record underscores their recognized status as a distinct family unit within the tribe of Manasseh, entitled to a specific portion of the land inheritance. Its singular appearance highlights its role as a precise designation for a specific lineage rather than a general descriptive term.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ***Cheleq* (חֵלֶק, `{{H2506}}`):** This is the foundational root word from which *Chelqîy* is derived. Its meaning of "portion," "share," or "inheritance" is central to understanding the clan's name. The ancestor Helek's name likely reflected this concept, perhaps signifying a "portion" or "share" given by God or within the family.
* **Patronymic Formations:** The suffix *-î* is a common grammatical feature in Hebrew, used to form patronymics or gentilic nouns, indicating "son of," "belonging to," or "from the place of." This linguistic pattern is crucial for recognizing *Chelqîy* as a clan identifier.
* **Tribal and Clan Structure:** The concept of *shevatim* (tribes) and *mishpachot* (clans/families) was the bedrock of Israelite social, political, and religious organization. The Helkites represent one such *mishpachah* within the larger tribal framework, essential for land allocation and identity (e.g., [[Joshua 13-19]]).
* **Inheritance (*Nachalah*, נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`):** Given the root meaning of *cheleq*, the concept of inheritance is intrinsically linked. The census in Numbers 26, which lists the Helkites, was directly preparatory for the distribution of the land as an inheritance to each family according to its numbers.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of *Chelqîy* in the biblical record, despite its singular occurrence, carries significant theological weight.
* **Divine Order and Meticulousness:** The precise enumeration of families like the Helkites in the census of Numbers 26 reflects God's meticulous attention to detail and His divine order in organizing His people. Every family, regardless of size, is known and accounted for within His providential plan for the nation.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The census, which includes the Helkites, directly precedes and facilitates the division of the Promised Land. This act is a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring that each family would receive its divinely appointed "portion" or "inheritance" in the land.
* **Identity and Belonging in God's People:** For an Israelite, belonging to a specific tribe and clan, such as the Helkites, was fundamental to their identity, their social standing, and their claim to a share of the land. This communal structure underscores the theological importance of an individual's place within the corporate body of God's chosen people.
* **Theological Echo of "Portion":** While the name *Helek* for the ancestor is a proper noun, its underlying meaning of "portion" or "share" subtly resonates with broader biblical themes. God Himself is often described as the "portion" or "inheritance" of His people (e.g., [[Psalm 16:5]], [[Lamentations 3:24]]), especially for the Levites who had no land inheritance. The very name of the Helkites, therefore, might serve as a quiet reminder of divine provision and the ultimate source of all "portions," both physical and spiritual.
### Summary
*Chelqîy* (חֶלְקִי, `{{H2516}}`) is a unique patronymic term meaning "a descendant of Helek" or "a member of the clan of Helek." Derived from *cheleq* (`{{H2506}}`), which signifies "portion" or "share," it designates a specific family unit, the Helkites, within the tribe of Manasseh. Its sole appearance in [[Numbers 26:30]] places it within the context of the second Israelite census, highlighting its crucial role in the divinely ordered distribution of the Promised Land. The study of *Chelqîy* reveals God's meticulous organization of His people, His faithfulness in fulfilling covenant promises through the allocation of land "portions," and the profound significance of tribal and clan identity in ancient Israel. The underlying meaning of "portion" within the name itself subtly points to the broader biblical concept of divine provision and inheritance.
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