The Hebrew word chuphshâh, represented by H2668, means liberty (from slavery) or freedom. Though it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, it defines a specific legal and social status of release from servitude. Its meaning is derived from the primitive root H2666 châphash, which means to be free.
The sole use of H2668 is in Leviticus 19:20, which outlines the law concerning a bondmaid H8198. In this specific case, the woman was betrothed but had not been redeemed H6299, nor had freedom H2668 been given H5414 to her. Because of her status as "not free" H2666, the law prescribed a different penalty for her and the man involved, highlighting that her legal standing as an enslaved person was a critical factor in the judgment.
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of H2668:
- H2666 châphash (be free): This primitive root signifies the state of freedom itself. In Leviticus 19:20, it is used to describe the status the bondmaid had not yet attained.
- H8198 shiphchâh (bondmaid): This term defines a female slave. It represents the state of bondage from which one receives freedom H2668. A bondmaid or handmaid is seen as part of a household, looking to the hand of her master or mistress Psalms 123:2.
- H6299 pâdâh (redeemed): Meaning to sever or ransom, this action is presented as a prerequisite for liberty. The woman in Leviticus 19:20 was not free because she had not been redeemed. Theologically, the LORD is the one who redeemed Abraham Isaiah 29:22 and redeems His people from bondage Deuteronomy 7:8.
- H5414 nâthan (to give): This verb indicates that freedom is an officially conferred status. It is something that is given, as seen in Leviticus 19:20. God is often the subject of this verb, giving a new heart Ezekiel 36:26 or a son Isaiah 9:6.
The theological significance of H2668 is understood through its relationship with redemption and being granted a new status.
- Freedom Follows Redemption: The legal case in Leviticus 19:20 establishes a clear principle: redemption must occur before freedom can be granted. This mirrors the spiritual truth where the LORD redeemeth H6299 the soul of His servants Psalms 34:22, ransoming them from the power of the grave Hosea 13:14.
- Liberty as a Gift: The use of the verb given H5414 in Leviticus 19:20 frames freedom not just as a state of being, but as a gift that is bestowed. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of God as the one who gives good things, from peace Jeremiah 29:11 to His own law in the heart Jeremiah 31:33.
- A Change in Legal Status: The distinction in Leviticus 19:20 between a bondmaid H8198 and a free person demonstrates that liberty fundamentally alters one's standing. This legal change from slavery to freedom serves as a powerful illustration of spiritual deliverance.
In summary, while H2668 chuphshâh is a rare term, its single appearance in scripture is highly instructive. It precisely defines freedom from slavery within a legal context, establishing it as a status that is given H5414 after an act of redemption H6299. The surrounding concepts provide a framework for understanding the larger biblical theme of deliverance, where God redeems His people from bondage and grants them a new standing.
TRV