or חִלְקִיָּהוּ; from חֵלֶק and יָהּ; portion of Jah; Chilhijah, the name of eight Israelites; Hillkiah.
Transliteration:Chilqîyâh
Pronunciation:khil-kee-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name חִלְקִיָּה (Chilqîyâh), also rendered חִלְקִיָּהוּ (Chilqîyâhû), is a compound name derived from two elements: חֵלֶק (cheleq) `{{H2506}}`, meaning "portion" or "share," and יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. Thus, the name literally translates to "my portion is Yah" or "portion of Yah." This conveys a profound theological statement, asserting that God Himself is the inheritance, allotment, or destiny of the individual. It speaks to a deep reliance on and identification with the divine provision and sovereignty. Semantically, it encapsulates the idea that one's true wealth, security, and identity are found in God alone, rather than in earthly possessions or status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hilkiah is borne by at least eight different individuals in the Hebrew Bible, indicating its commonality and the significance of its meaning within Israelite society. The most prominent figure bearing this name is **Hilkiah the High Priest** during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. His story is primarily found in [[2 Kings 22:4]]-[[2 Kings 23:25]] and [[2 Chronicles 34:8]]-[[2 Chronicles 35:19]]. Hilkiah's pivotal role involved the discovery of the Book of the Law (likely a copy of Deuteronomy) in the Temple during its renovation. This discovery, detailed in [[2 Kings 22:8]] and [[2 Chronicles 34:14]], sparked a profound spiritual revival and national repentance under King Josiah, leading to widespread reforms and a renewed covenant with Yahweh. Hilkiah's integrity and obedience in presenting the scroll to the king were instrumental in this spiritual awakening.
Another notable Hilkiah is the **father of the prophet Jeremiah** (Jeremiah 1:1), indicating a priestly lineage for the prophet. While his specific actions are not detailed, his identity as a priest from Anathoth connects Jeremiah to the established religious order.
Other individuals named Hilkiah include:
* A Merarite Levite, an ancestor of Ethan the singer (1 Chronicles 6:45 [Hebrew 1 Chronicles 6:30]).
* A gatekeeper, son of Hosah, from the Merarite clan (1 Chronicles 26:11).
* A priest who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 12:7, Nehemiah 12:21).
* An ancestor of Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe (Jeremiah 29:3, though some scholars believe this refers to Jeremiah's father).
* An ancestor of Gedaliah, governor of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 40:5, also possibly Jeremiah's father).
Across these occurrences, the name often appears in contexts related to the priesthood, temple service, or significant leadership roles, reinforcing the idea of individuals whose lives were dedicated to the "portion of Yah."
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is חֵלֶק (cheleq) `{{H2506}}`, meaning "portion," "share," or "inheritance." This root word is central to understanding the theological implications of the name Hilkiah. In a broader biblical context, the concept of God as one's portion is a recurring theme, particularly within the Psalms and Lamentations. For instance, the psalmist declares, "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot" [[Psalm 16:5]], and "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" [[Psalm 73:26]]. Similarly, the prophet laments, "The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him" [[Lamentations 3:24]]. This concept was especially significant for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance in the Promised Land, but Yahweh Himself was declared to be their portion [[Numbers 18:20]].
The element יָהּ (Yah) connects the name directly to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of this divine portion. The discovery of the Book of the Law by Hilkiah the High Priest is also inextricably linked to concepts of divine revelation, the authority of God's word, covenant renewal, and national repentance.
### Theological Significance
The name Hilkiah, "my portion is Yah," carries profound theological weight. It serves as a constant reminder that God is the ultimate source of all blessing, sustenance, and inheritance. For the individuals bearing this name, it could signify a personal declaration of faith and dependence on God.
The most significant theological implication arises from the actions of Hilkiah the High Priest. His discovery of the Book of the Law underscores several key theological truths:
1. **The Enduring Power of God's Word:** Even when neglected and forgotten, God's word retains its power to convict, transform, and guide. Hilkiah's discovery initiated a national transformation based on a return to divine instruction.
2. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** God orchestrated the finding of the Law at a crucial time, demonstrating His active involvement in the history of His people and His desire for their repentance and restoration.
3. **The Role of Righteous Leadership:** Hilkiah's integrity as High Priest was essential. His faithful handling of the sacred text and his collaboration with King Josiah exemplify the crucial role of spiritual leadership in guiding a nation back to God.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** The name Hilkiah, meaning "my portion is Yah," is ironically juxtaposed with the nation's departure from Yahweh's covenant. The rediscovery of the Law through Hilkiah became the catalyst for a renewed commitment to that very covenant, highlighting God's faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful. The name itself is a testament to the ideal relationship between God and His people – where He is their all-sufficient inheritance.
### Summary
Hilkiah (חִלְקִיָּה, Chilqîyâh), meaning "my portion is Yah," is a deeply significant Hebrew name that declares God to be one's ultimate inheritance and source of life. While borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, its most notable bearer is Hilkiah the High Priest during King Josiah's reign. His discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple was a watershed moment, leading to a nationwide spiritual revival and a renewed covenant with Yahweh, demonstrating the transformative power of God's word and the vital role of faithful leadership. The name itself encapsulates a core biblical truth: true security and blessing are found in God alone, who is the faithful portion of His people, as echoed in passages like [[Psalm 16:5]] and [[Lamentations 3:24]].
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