patronymically from חֲצִי הַמְּנֻחוֹת; a Chatsi-ham-Menachtite or descendant of Chatsi-ham-Menuchoth; half of the Manahethites.
Transliteration:Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnachtîy
Pronunciation:khat-see' ham-menakh-tee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2680}}` (Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnachtîy) is a patronymic noun, denoting a specific clan or family group. Its base definition indicates a derivation from "Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchoth" (`{{H2681}}`), which translates to "half of the Manahethites" or "half of the Menuchoth." The primary component, חֲצִי (chatzi, `{{H2677}}`), signifies "half" or "division," strongly suggesting that this group represents a distinct segment or branch of a larger entity known as the Manahethites or Menuchoth. Thus, `{{H2680}}` refers to a descendant or member of this particular "half" of the Manahethites, distinguishing them from other branches. The name itself, "Menuchoth" (מְנֻחוֹת), is related to the root נוּחַ (nuach, `{{H5117}}`), meaning "to rest" or "to settle," possibly indicating a settled dwelling place or a state of repose for the ancestral group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2680}}` (Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnachtîy) appears in the Old Testament solely within the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah in the book of 1 Chronicles. Specifically, it is found in [[1 Chronicles 2:54]]: "The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, the house of Joab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites." Here, it identifies a specific subgroup associated with Salma, who was a son of Hur, a descendant of Caleb (who was himself a son of Hezron, of the tribe of Judah).
The context of this occurrence is a detailed enumeration of the clans and families that constituted the tribe of Judah. The inclusion of "half of the Manahethites" (`{{H2680}}`) alongside other named places and family groups underscores its identity as a distinct, recognized entity within the tribal structure. It is important to note that the foundational group, "Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnuchoth" (`{{H2681}}`), appears earlier in the same chapter in [[1 Chronicles 2:52]], associated with Shobal, another son of Hur. This suggests that the Manahethites were a prominent lineage within Caleb's descendants, and that they had divided into at least two main "halves" or branches, each associated with different lines of descent from Hur. These genealogical lists were crucial for establishing tribal identity, land inheritance, and maintaining the social and religious order of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of `{{H2680}}` is derived from:
* **חֲצִי (chatzi, `{{H2677}}`):** Meaning "half" or "middle." This component is critical to understanding the term, as it denotes a division or a specific segment of a larger whole.
* **מְנַחְתִּי (Menachtîy):** The patronymic form derived from מְנֻחוֹת (Menuchoth, `{{H2681}}`), which refers to the ancestral group "Manahethites" or "Menuchoth." This root is linked to נוּחַ (nuach, `{{H5117}}`), signifying "rest," "quietness," or "a settled place."
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogies:** The broader literary context of 1 Chronicles, which meticulously records the lineages of Israel, emphasizing the importance of tribal identity and heritage.
* **Tribal Divisions:** The concept of clans and families subdividing, often due to population growth, land distribution, or distinct leadership.
* **Inheritance:** In ancient Israel, tribal and family identity was inextricably linked to the inheritance of land, which was foundational to the covenant promises.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2680}}` may appear to be a mere technical detail in a long list of names, its presence in the biblical record carries subtle yet profound theological significance. Firstly, it highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in the preservation of His covenant people. Every family, even a "half" of a larger group, is acknowledged and recorded, underscoring the divine oversight of Israel's history and structure. This meticulousness reflects God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham, ensuring the continuity of the tribes through whom the Messiah would ultimately come.
Secondly, the inclusion of such specific family designations emphasizes the importance of lineage and community within God's plan. The identity of the "half of the Manahethites" was not incidental; it played a role in the broader tapestry of Israel's tribal and social organization. It speaks to the ordered nature of God's people, where each part contributes to the whole, even in its distinctions. The potential underlying meaning of "rest" or "settling" in "Menuchoth" could also subtly point to the promised land as a place of rest and inheritance, a gift from God meticulously distributed among the tribes and their subdivisions.
### Summary
`{{H2680}}` (Chătsîy ham-Mᵉnachtîy) denotes a specific patronymic clan, "the half of the Manahethites," a distinct branch of a larger group within the tribe of Judah. Appearing in the genealogies of [[1 Chronicles 2:54]], it identifies a subgroup descended from Salma, a grandson of Caleb. This term, derived from "half" (`{{H2677}}`) and the ancestral group "Menuchoth" (`{{H2681}}`), underscores the meticulous biblical record-keeping of tribal and family divisions. Its theological significance lies in demonstrating God's sovereign and detailed preservation of Israel's lineages, crucial for maintaining tribal identity, land inheritance, and ultimately, the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the chosen people.
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