by reduplication from חָלַק; properly, something very smooth; i.e. a treacherous spot; figuratively, blandishment; flattery, slippery.
Transliteration:chălaqlaqqâh
Pronunciation:khal-ak-lak-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֲלַקְלַקָּה (chălaqlaqqâh, `{{H2519}}`) is derived from the root חָלַק (ḥālaq, `{{H2505}}`), which fundamentally means "to be smooth" or "to divide." The reduplication in חֲלַקְלַקָּה intensifies this sense of smoothness, conveying something that is "very smooth" or "exceedingly slippery." From this literal meaning, the word extends to two primary semantic ranges:
1. **Literal/Physical:** A "slippery place" or "treacherous spot," implying a physical hazard where one might stumble or fall due to an unstable or overly smooth surface. This denotes a path or ground that is deceptively easy to traverse but conceals danger.
2. **Figurative/Moral:** "Blandishment," "flattery," or "deceptive speech." In this sense, the smoothness refers to words or actions that are superficially pleasing or persuasive but are insincere, manipulative, or conceal malicious intent. Such speech is "slippery" because it is untrustworthy and leads one astray.
The core idea uniting these senses is the deceptive nature of a smooth surface, whether physical or verbal, which appears benign but conceals peril or untruth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲלַקְלַקָּה (chălaqlaqqâh, `{{H2519}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating its dual semantic range:
1. **[[Psalm 35:6]]**: "Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them." Here, the plural form וַחֲלַקְלַקּוֹת (waḥălaqlaqqôt) is used in a literal and punitive sense. The psalmist, appealing to God for deliverance from his enemies, invokes divine judgment. The "slippery places" represent the treacherous and unstable paths that God will make for the wicked, ensuring their downfall. This imagery vividly portrays divine retribution, where the wicked are ensnared by the very instability of their own chosen paths, made more perilous by God's decree.
2. **[[Daniel 11:34]]**: "Now when they fall, they will be helped with a little help; but many will join with them in flattery." In this prophetic context concerning the persecution of God's people, בַּחֲלַקְלַקּוֹת (baḥălaqlaqqôt) is employed figuratively. It refers to "flatteries" or "deceptive alliances." Those who offer "help" do so not out of genuine loyalty or piety, but through insincere words and opportunistic motives. This highlights the danger of superficial support, which appears beneficial but is ultimately unreliable and potentially treacherous, leading to further compromise or betrayal.
These two occurrences demonstrate the word's capacity to describe both physical hazards orchestrated by divine justice and the moral hazard of human deceit and insincerity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of חֲלַקְלַקָּה (chălaqlaqqâh, `{{H2519}}`) is deeply intertwined with its root and related terms:
* **חָלַק (ḥālaq, `{{H2505}}`)**: The foundational verb meaning "to be smooth," "to divide," and derivatively, "to flatter" or "to be slippery." This root informs both the physical and figurative senses of חֲלַקְלַקָּה.
* **חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, `{{H2509}}`)**: A noun derived from the same root, meaning "smoothness" or "flattery," often used in a negative sense to denote deceitful speech (e.g., [[Psalm 12:3]], [[Proverbs 2:16]]).
* **חֲלַקָּה (ḥălaqqah, `{{H2518}}`)**: Another noun from the same root, also meaning "smoothness" or "flattery," similarly applied to deceptive speech (e.g., [[Proverbs 7:5]]).
* **Concepts of Deceit**: חֲלַקְלַקָּה resonates with broader biblical themes of deceit (מִרְמָה, mirmah, `{{H4820}}`), treachery (בֶּגֶד, beged, `{{H899}}`), and the danger of words that are "smoother than oil" yet are "drawn swords" ([[Psalm 55:21]]).
* **Concepts of Stumbling**: The literal sense aligns with imagery of stumbling blocks (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol, `{{H4383}}`) and pitfalls (שַׁחַת, shachath, `{{H7845}}`), particularly as they relate to divine judgment upon the wicked.
Conversely, חֲלַקְלַקָּה stands in stark contrast to concepts of truth (אֱמֶת, emet, `{{H571}}`), integrity (תֹּם, tom, `{{H8537}}`), and steadfastness, which are highly valued in biblical ethics.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲלַקְלַקָּה (chălaqlaqqâh, `{{H2519}}`) lies in its dual capacity to illustrate divine justice and expose human depravity, particularly in the realm of speech and relationships.
In its literal sense (as in [[Psalm 35:6]]), חֲלַקְלַקָּה portrays God as the sovereign judge who can make the path of the wicked perilous and unstable. This is not arbitrary cruelty, but a just consequence for those who plot evil. It underscores the biblical principle that the wicked often fall into the very traps they set for others, or their own chosen paths become their undoing. This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail.
In its figurative sense (as in [[Daniel 11:34]]), חֲלַקְלַקָּה serves as a profound warning against the spiritual dangers of flattery and superficial alliances. The "flatteries" do not offer genuine support but rather compromise and ultimately betray. For the people of God, this emphasizes the importance of discernment and unwavering loyalty to divine truth, rather than trusting in human expediency or deceptive promises. It speaks to the integrity required in the face of persecution, where compromise for temporary relief can lead to greater spiritual harm. The word implicitly calls believers to a life of truthfulness and sincerity, rejecting all forms of deceit, both in giving and receiving.
Ultimately, חֲלַקְלַקָּה underscores the biblical emphasis on the nature of truth versus falsehood, and the righteous character of God in contrast to the deceptive nature of humanity.
### Summary
חֲלַקְלַקָּה (chălaqlaqqâh, `{{H2519}}`) is a Hebrew term signifying something intensely "smooth," giving rise to two primary meanings: a "slippery, treacherous place" and "flattery" or "deceptive speech." Its usage in the Bible reflects both divine judgment, where God makes the path of the wicked perilous ([[Psalm 35:6]]), and human treachery, where alliances are formed through insincere flattery rather than genuine commitment ([[Daniel 11:34]]). The word thus encapsulates the danger inherent in surfaces—whether physical ground or human words—that appear benign but conceal peril or deceit. It serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical call for integrity and truth, standing in stark contrast to the deceptive and unstable nature of flattery and treacherous paths.
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