The Hebrew word châphash, represented by H2666, is a primitive root meaning to spread loose; figuratively, to manumit; be free. It is a very specific term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. Its singular use defines the state of a person who is no longer in bondage.
The sole appearance of H2666 is in Leviticus 19:20, where it clarifies a point of law. The verse discusses a scenario involving a "bondmaid" H8198 who is betrothed to a husband but has not been "redeemed" H6299 nor had "freedom given her" H2668. The consequence for a man who lies with her is scourging, not death. The reason for this specific judgment is stated plainly: "because she was not free" Leviticus 19:20. This usage establishes a clear legal distinction between a free person and a slave, directly impacting culpability under the law.
Several related words help define the concept of being free:
- H2668 chuphshâh (freedom): Derived from the same root, this is the noun form of liberty. It is used in the same verse to describe the "freedom" that was not given to the bondmaid Leviticus 19:20.
- H8198 shiphchâh (bondmaid): This term denotes a female slave and represents the status opposite to being free. The law in Leviticus 19:20 is specific to a woman in this state of servitude Leviticus 19:20. This role is elsewhere described as a household servant, such as the "maiden" who looks to the hand of her mistress Psalms 123:2.
- H6299 pâdâh (redeem): This word describes the act of ransoming or releasing someone from bondage. In the key verse, the bondmaid was "not at all redeemed" Leviticus 19:20, which was one of the prerequisites for her becoming free. God is often described as the one who redeems His people from bondage Deuteronomy 7:8.
The legal weight of H2666 is concentrated in its single, precise application.
- Defining Legal Status: The word's only function in scripture is to draw a line between freedom and slavery, which has direct consequences under the Mosaic Law. One's status as free or not determines the legal judgment for a specific offense Leviticus 19:20.
- Freedom as an Acquired Condition: The context shows that for a "bondmaid" H8198, the state of being free is not inherent. It must be obtained through an external action, such as being "redeemed" H6299 or having freedom explicitly "given" H5414 to her.
- The Path to Freedom: Leviticus 19:20 links the state of being free directly to the act of redemption. The failure to be "redeemed" is presented as a parallel reason for her not being free, highlighting redemption as a primary mechanism for release from servitude.
In summary, châphash H2666 offers a concise and powerful definition of being free from servitude. Though it appears only once, its use in Leviticus 19:20 is foundational to a specific point of law, establishing that a person's legal standing as free or enslaved directly affects matters of justice. The term illustrates that, within this legal framework, freedom was an acquired status, intrinsically linked to acts of redemption or manumission.
TRV