### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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)**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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