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