The Hebrew word chôphen, represented by H2651, is derived from an unused root and primarily means a fist or, in its dual form, fists or (both) hands. It appears 6 times in 6 unique verses. The term is used to describe cupped hands or fists holding a substance, often translated as hand(-ful).
In scripture, H2651 is used to convey a measure of something held securely. It appears in contexts of divine power, judgment, and sacred ritual. In a powerful rhetorical question about God's omnipotence, Proverbs asks who "hath gathered the wind in his fists" Proverbs 30:4. The word is also used in scenes of divine judgment, as when a man clothed in linen is commanded to "fill thine hand with coals of fire" to scatter over the city Ezekiel 10:2, an act which is fulfilled when a cherub places the fire into his hands Ezekiel 10:7. In a priestly context, it describes the precise measure of incense the high priest must take in "his hands full" into the holy place Leviticus 16:12. It is also used to represent a quantity, such as the "handfuls of ashes" used for the plague of boils in Egypt Exodus 9:8.
Several related words clarify the function and context of H2651:
- H3027 yâd: This common term for a hand typically refers to the open hand, indicating power, direction, or action. It contrasts with H2651, which signifies closed or cupped hands for holding. This distinction is seen in Ezekiel 10:7, where a cherub stretches forth his hand (H3027) to place fire into the hands (H2651) of the man in linen.
- H3947 lâqach: Meaning to take, this verb is frequently paired with H2651 to describe the action of filling one's hands. This is seen when Moses and Aaron are commanded to take handfuls of ashes Exodus 9:8 and when the high priest must take a censer full of coals and his hands full of incense Leviticus 16:12.
- H4390 mâlêʼ: This root, meaning to fill or be full of, is used to describe the state of the hands. It emphasizes that the chôphen is filled to capacity, whether with coals of fire for judgment Ezekiel 10:2 or, in a contrasting passage, with travail and vexation Ecclesiastes 4:6.
The theological weight of H2651 is demonstrated through its specific applications:
- Divine Sovereignty: The image of gathering the wind in one's fists is a powerful metaphor for absolute control over creation. It is used to highlight the incomparable and sovereign power of God, who alone can perform such a feat Proverbs 30:4.
- Agent of Consecration and Judgment: The chôphen serves as a vessel for materials used in both sacred worship and divine retribution. The priest's hands carry the holy incense before the LORD Leviticus 16:12, while the angelic figure's hand is filled with coals of judgment Ezekiel 10:2. This illustrates that human capacity can be used for holy or destructive purposes under divine command.
- Measure of Human Striving: Ecclesiastes uses the term to teach a lesson on contentment. It contrasts the quietness of a single handful with the toil and "vexation of spirit" that comes from having "both the hands full" Ecclesiastes 4:6, suggesting that wisdom lies in moderation rather than excessive labor.
In summary, H2651 is more than a simple anatomical term for fists or hands. It functions as a specific measure, representing what can be held or contained. Through its use in scripture, chôphen conveys concepts of God's limitless power over nature, the role of human hands as instruments of both holy service and divine judgment, and a profound wisdom about the limits of human effort. It demonstrates how a concrete image can be used to explore deep theological truths.
TRV