reduplicated from an unused root meaning apparently to peel; a shred or scale; round thing.
Transliteration:chaçpaç
Pronunciation:khas-pas'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2636}}` (חַסְפַּס, *chaçpaç*) is understood to be reduplicated from an unused root, suggesting a primary meaning related to "peeling." This etymological root informs the core semantic range, which encompasses "a shred," "a scale," or a "flaky piece." The reduplicated form often implies a diminutive quality or a multitude of such pieces. Intriguingly, the definition also includes "round thing," which, while seemingly distinct, may refer to a specific form or appearance of these peeled-off elements, perhaps small, rounded fragments or scales. The overall sense is of something delicate, detached, and perhaps crystalline in appearance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2636}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis particularly crucial for understanding its full import.
* **[[Exodus 16:14]]**: "And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground."
In this solitary occurrence, `{{H2636}}` describes the appearance of the manna, the miraculous bread provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness. The phrase "small round thing" directly translates *chaçpaç*. The comparison to "hoar frost" (קָפָא, *qapha',* related to frost or ice) further illuminates its nature: it was delicate, fine, and covered the ground like a thin, frozen layer. This description aligns well with the "scale" or "flaky piece" aspect of the word's definition, suggesting that the manna appeared as small, detached, and perhaps brittle particles. The Septuagint (LXX) renders it with terms like "λεπτόν" (lepton, "thin, fine") and "ὡς πάγος" (hos pagos, "like frost"), reinforcing the sense of something delicate and crystalline. The singular usage in such a pivotal narrative underscores its unique nature and the miraculous character of God's provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H2636}}` is unique in its direct usage, its semantic field connects it to several related concepts and terms that describe similar forms or divine provision:
* **Scales/Flakes**: The idea of "scales" or "flakes" is seen in `{{H7088}}` (קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת, *qasqeseth*), which refers to the scales of a fish or armor. While not directly etymologically linked, it shares the concept of a thin, protective, or detached layer.
* **Manna**: The primary concept related to `{{H2636}}` is the manna itself (`{{H4478}}`, מָן, *man*). The term *chaçpaç* provides a specific visual description of this divine sustenance.
* **Divine Provision**: The broader theological concept of God's miraculous provision for His people in the wilderness is central to the context of `{{H2636}}`. This includes the provision of water, quail, and, preeminently, the manna.
* **Fragility/Delicacy**: The comparison to "hoar frost" and the inherent meaning of a "shred" or "scale" suggest a delicate and perhaps fragile nature, emphasizing that the manna was not a robust, earthly produce but a divinely sent, ephemeral gift.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H2636}}` in the description of the manna imbues it with profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Origin and Uniqueness**: The term emphasizes the manna's extraordinary, non-earthly origin. Its appearance as a "small round thing" or "scale-like" substance, resembling "hoar frost," sets it apart from any known natural food source. This highlights God's creative power and His ability to provide in ways beyond human comprehension or expectation. It was a daily, tangible sign of God's immediate presence and care for His people.
2. **God's Meticulous Provision**: The precise description of the manna's appearance, down to its delicate, scale-like form, speaks to the meticulous nature of God's provision. He did not merely sustain Israel; He did so with a specific, divinely ordained substance, perfectly suited for their needs in the wilderness.
3. **Symbol of Dependence**: The daily appearance of the *chaçpaç* manna served as a constant reminder of Israel's utter dependence on God. They could not store it for long, nor could they produce it themselves. Its fragile, ephemeral nature underscored their reliance on the Lord for their very sustenance.
4. **Foreshadowing of Christ**: In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the "bread of life," a greater manna sent from heaven (e.g., [[John 6:31-35]]). Just as the *chaçpaç* manna sustained physical life in the wilderness, Christ offers spiritual life and eternal sustenance. The humble, unassuming appearance of the manna, described by `{{H2636}}`, can be seen as subtly foreshadowing the humble, yet divinely glorious, appearance of the Messiah.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2636}}` (חַסְפַּס, *chaçpaç*) is a rare and evocative term, appearing uniquely in [[Exodus 16:14]]. Its core meaning derives from a root suggesting "peeling," leading to definitions such as "a shred," "a scale," or a "flaky piece," with an added nuance of a "round thing." In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the miraculous manna provided to Israel in the wilderness, portraying it as a "small round thing" resembling "hoar frost." This precise description emphasizes the manna's unique, delicate, and divinely-sourced nature. Theologically, `{{H2636}}` underscores God's meticulous and miraculous provision, highlighting Israel's complete dependence on Him. Furthermore, it serves as a subtle yet profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true "Bread of Life," who descended from heaven to offer eternal spiritual nourishment, echoing the divine and unique sustenance of the manna.
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