The Hebrew word Cheçed, represented by H2618, is a proper name, Hesed. It appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its base definition is "favor," and in its biblical usage, it serves to identify an Israelite individual.
The singular use of H2618 is found within a list of King Solomon's administrative officers. It functions as a patronym, identifying the father of one of the twelve officers responsible for providing provisions for the king's household. The text specifies "The son of Hesed, in Aruboth" 1 Kings 4:10, placing this individual within the structured bureaucracy of Solomon's kingdom.
One key related word is directly formed from this name:
- H1136 Ben-Cheçed (the son of Hesed): This compound term, defined as "son of kindness," is used in the very same passage to refer to the officer whose father was Hesed 1 Kings 4:10. It highlights the direct genealogical link and is the formal title for the individual in the administrative list.
The narrative weight of H2618 is primarily historical and genealogical rather than theological.
- Patronymic Identification: The name Hesed serves the crucial function of identifying an individual by his father's name, a common practice in ancient records. This establishes the lineage of one of Solomon's high-ranking officials 1 Kings 4:10.
- Administrative Context: Its appearance in an official list underscores the detailed organization and record-keeping of Solomon's reign, providing a glimpse into the civil structure of the kingdom.
- Meaning of the Name: While its use is purely as a name, the definition "favor" and its connection to H1136, "son of kindness," suggest a name with a virtuous meaning, although the text does not elaborate on the character of the man himself.
In summary, H2618 is not a conceptual term in its biblical usage but rather the proper name Hesed. Its sole appearance serves a specific historical purpose: to name the father of an officer in King Solomon's court. Its significance is rooted in the genealogical and administrative details of the biblical narrative provided in 1 Kings.
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