### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chălaqlaqqâh**, represented by `{{H2519}}`, describes something that is very smooth, often in a treacherous or deceptive way. Its meaning encompasses a treacherous spot, blandishment, flattery, and slippery places. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, illustrating concepts of both deceitful speech and hazardous paths.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2519}}` consistently carries a negative connotation of danger and deceit. In the Psalms, it is used in a prayer for the way of the wicked to be made "dark and **slippery**" as the angel of the LORD persecutes them [[Psalms 35:6]]. Jeremiah uses it similarly, prophesying that the way of false prophets will become like **slippery** ways in the darkness, where they will be driven on and fall as a result of God's judgment [[Jeremiah 23:12]]. In Daniel, the word shifts to its figurative meaning of "flatteries," describing how a vile person will obtain a kingdom through deceit [[Daniel 11:21]] and how many will deceptively cleave to the faithful with **flatteries** [[Daniel 11:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H2519}}` appears:
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action): This word is used for the "way" that is made slippery in both [[Psalms 35:6]] and [[Jeremiah 23:12]], connecting the idea of a treacherous path directly to an individual's life course.
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall): This is the direct consequence of walking on a slippery path. In [[Jeremiah 23:12]], the wicked are driven on and **fall** in the slippery ways prepared for them.
* `{{H959}}` **bâzâh** (despise, disdain, contemn, vile person): This describes the character of the ruler in [[Daniel 11:21]] who uses flatteries `{{H2519}}` to obtain the kingdom, linking deceptive speech to a contemptible nature.
* `{{H7962}}` **shalvâh** (security, prosperity, quietness): A vile person is said to come in **peaceably** [[Daniel 11:21]], using a facade of security to mask his manipulative use of flatteries `{{H2519}}`.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2519}}` is significant, serving as a warning against both superficial dangers and moral corruption.
* **The Treachery of Deceptive Speech:** The word highlights how flattery is a tool for the wicked. A "vile person" uses it to seize power and honor that was not given to him, subverting righteous order [[Daniel 11:21]].
* **Divine Judgment on the Wicked:** A "slippery" path is not a random misfortune but an active form of divine judgment. The LORD makes the way of the wicked treacherous [[Psalms 35:6]] and brings evil upon them in the year of their visitation [[Jeremiah 23:12]].
* **Consequence of a Perilous Path:** The imagery of a slippery place in darkness illustrates a state of instability and impending doom. It is a path where one cannot see the danger and is destined to stumble and fall ([[Jeremiah 23:12]], [[Psalms 35:6]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2519}}` is a potent word that illustrates the danger of things that appear deceptively smooth. Whether referring to the literal slipperiness of a path that leads to a fall or the figurative smoothness of flattery used for manipulation, it points to treachery and ruin. It serves as a biblical caution against both the path of the wicked and the words of the deceitful.
TRV