from חֵצִי and the plural of מְנוּחָה, with the article interposed; midst of the resting-places; Chatsi-ham-Menuchoth, an Israelite; half of the Manahethites.
Transliteration:Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth
Pronunciation:chat-tsee' hammen-oo-khoth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲצִי הַמְּנֻחוֹת (Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth), Strong's number `{{H2679}}`, is a compound proper noun. Its etymological roots provide insight into its potential meaning. The first element, חֵצִי (chētsîy) `{{H2677}}`, means "half," "middle," or "portion." It denotes a division or a designated share. The second element, מְנוּחוֹת (mᵉnuchôwth), is the plural form of מְנוּחָה (mᵉnuchâ) `{{H4496}}`, meaning "rest," "resting-place," or "quietness." Thus, the literal translation of Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth is "half of the resting-places" or "midst of the resting-places."
As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily defined by its referent in the biblical text. The alternative interpretation, "half of the Manahethites," suggests a connection to a specific clan or group, possibly derived from a person or place named Manahath. This interpretation posits that the name refers to a segment of a larger entity, rather than a descriptive personal name. The presence of the definite article "הַ" (ha-) before "מְנֻחוֹת" (mᵉnuchôwth) further supports the idea of a specific, known entity, whether a place, a clan, or a particular division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah:
[[1 Chronicles 2:52]]: "And Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had sons; Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites."
In this context, the passage enumerates the descendants of Hur, son of Caleb, within the extensive genealogies of Judah. Shobal is identified as the "father of Kiriath-jearim," indicating his significant role in the founding or leadership of that city. Following this, the text lists his "sons." The phrasing "Haroeh, and half of the Manahethites" presents an interpretive challenge.
If "Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth" is understood as "half of the Manahethites," it suggests that Shobal's lineage or influence extended to a segment of a clan or people group known as the Manahethites. This could imply a division of a larger family, a territorial claim, or a specific branch within a tribal structure. The Manahethites themselves are elsewhere associated with Judah, as seen in the mention of "Manahath" in [[1 Chronicles 8:6]] (though this refers to a Benjaminite city, separate from the context here). The most likely interpretation in [[1 Chronicles 2:52]] is that "the Manahethites" (or "Menuhoth" in some translations) were a clan or group descended from Manahath, a son of Shobal mentioned in the preceding verse, [[1 Chronicles 1 Chronicles 2:54]]. This would mean "half of the Manahethites" refers to a specific portion or branch of that family.
The inclusion of such a specific, seemingly minor detail within the extensive genealogies underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record, which sought to preserve the lineage, tribal divisions, and settlement patterns of the Israelite people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth connect it to broader biblical themes:
1. **חֵצִי (chētsîy) `{{H2677}}` - "Half" or "Portion":** This word frequently appears in contexts of division, inheritance, and allocation. For instance, the division of the land among the tribes (e.g., "half-tribe of Manasseh" in [[Numbers 32:33]]), or the apportioning of spoils (e.g., [[1 Samuel 30:24]]). It speaks to the divine ordering and distribution of resources and people groups within God's covenant plan.
2. **מְנוּחָה (mᵉnuchâ) `{{H4496}}` - "Rest" or "Resting-place":** This is a profound theological concept in the Old Testament. It is closely related to the verb נוּחַ (nûach) `{{H5117}}`, "to rest," from which the proper name מָנוֹחַ (Manoach) `{{H4495}}`, the father of Samson, is derived. "Rest" in the biblical sense encompasses:
* The Sabbath rest (e.g., [[Exodus 20:10]]).
* The rest found in the promised land after wandering (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 12:9-10]], [[Joshua 1:13]]).
* The ultimate rest found in God's presence and provision (e.g., [[Psalm 95:11]], [[Isaiah 28:12]]).
* The "resting-place" often refers to a secure, settled habitation, reflecting God's provision for His people.
The combination "half/portion of rest" or "midst of the resting-places" subtly evokes the idea of a designated share of peace and security. If interpreted as "half of the Manahethites," it connects to the broader network of Judahite clans and their intricate relationships within the tribal structure.
### Theological Significance
While Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth is a proper noun with a single, somewhat ambiguous occurrence, its etymological components carry significant theological weight.
The concept of "rest" (מְנוּחָה) is central to God's covenant promises to Israel. The land of Canaan was promised as a place of rest from their wanderings and from their enemies. This rest was not merely cessation from labor but a state of peace, security, and flourishing under God's blessing. To be a "portion of rest" or "half of the resting-places" could subtly allude to a share in this divine provision and blessing. It speaks to God's faithfulness in bringing His people into their inheritance and granting them a place of peace.
Furthermore, the meticulous preservation of such seemingly minor details in the genealogies, even for a "half" or a specific "portion" of a clan, underscores God's sovereignty and His precise knowledge of every individual and group within His covenant people. It reflects the divine care in ordering the tribes, their inheritances, and their relationships, demonstrating that even the smallest divisions contribute to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan. The very act of recording these names and their relationships highlights the importance of lineage and continuity in God's plan for Israel, leading ultimately to the lineage of the Messiah.
### Summary
Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchôwth (`{{H2679}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, meaning "half of the resting-places" or "midst of the resting-places," derived from חֵצִי (half/portion) and מְנוּחָה (rest/resting-place). It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 2:52]], within the genealogies of Judah, where it is listed as one of the "sons" of Shobal, the father of Kiriath-jearim. This phrase is often interpreted as "half of the Manahethites," referring to a specific segment of a clan or family group connected to Shobal's lineage.
Despite its singular and somewhat ambiguous occurrence, the name's etymology points to significant biblical themes: the divine provision of "rest" and "inheritance" for God's people, and the meticulous nature of God's ordering of His covenant community through tribal divisions and familial lines. It serves as a testament to the detailed record-keeping of God's people and His faithful attention to every part of His redemptive plan.
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