a collateral form of חֵצֶן, and meaning the same; {the bosom (as comprised between the arms)}; arm, lap.
Transliteration:chôtsen
Pronunciation:kho'tsen
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2684}}` (חֹצֶן, chôtsen) is defined as a collateral form of `{{H2683}}`, carrying the same core meaning: "the bosom (as comprised between the arms)," "arm," or "lap." This definition points to a physical space on the body or within one's garment, typically the front of the torso or the fold of a cloak, used as a receptacle. Unlike a mere anatomical reference, chôtsen primarily conveys the functional aspect of this space—its capacity to hold, carry, or receive. It evokes the image of a person gathering items into the folds of their clothing or embracing something closely within their arms. The semantic range thus centers on containment, reception, and the physical act of carrying.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2684}}` appears in two distinct but illustrative contexts within the Hebrew Bible, both powerfully conveying its functional meaning:
1. **[[Nehemiah 5:13]]**: "Also I shook out my lap (חֹצֶן) and said, 'So may God shake out every man from his house and from his possessions who does not perform this promise; so may he be shaken out and emptied!'" Here, Nehemiah performs a symbolic act. The "lap" or "bosom" (חֹצֶן) refers to the fold of his garment, which would typically be used to carry grain or other items. By shaking it out and emptying it, Nehemiah vividly curses those who exploit their brethren, invoking divine judgment that would strip them of all their possessions and security, leaving them utterly destitute. The chôtsen serves as a tangible representation of one's accumulated wealth or provision.
2. **[[Psalm 129:7]]**: Describing the futility of those who hate Zion, the psalmist states, "with which the reaper does not fill his hand, nor the gatherer his bosom (חֹצֶן)." This poetic imagery depicts an unproductive harvest. The chôtsen here is the receptacle into which one would gather the fruits of labor. The fact that it remains empty for the wicked signifies their ultimate failure, lack of blessing, and the futility of their efforts. It contrasts sharply with the expectation of abundance and divine favor for the righteous.
In both instances, the chôtsen is not merely a body part but a functional space—a pouch or container—whose state (full or empty) carries profound symbolic meaning regarding blessing, judgment, and the outcome of one's actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H2684}}` is directly related to `{{H2683}}` (חֵצֶן, chetsen), which is the primary form from which chôtsen is derived, sharing the identical meaning of "bosom" or "lap." While chôtsen is rare, its meaning is reinforced by this close linguistic kinship.
Conceptually, chôtsen overlaps with `{{H2436}}` (חֵיק, cheyq), another common Hebrew word for "bosom." However, cheyq often carries a broader semantic range, encompassing not only the physical space for carrying but also intimacy, security, and the inner self (e.g., carrying a child in one's bosom, or a secret in one's heart). While both can refer to the "bosom," chôtsen appears to emphasize the external, functional aspect of carrying or receiving, particularly in the context of material goods or the fruits of labor, as seen in its limited occurrences.
Related concepts include:
* **Provision and Abundance**: A full chôtsen implies divine blessing and fruitfulness.
* **Futility and Barrenness**: An empty chôtsen signifies divine judgment or the lack of blessing due to unrighteousness.
* **Covenant Fidelity**: The act in Nehemiah links the state of the chôtsen to adherence to divine covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2684}}` emerges powerfully from its sparse but impactful usage. The chôtsen serves as a potent symbol of divine economy—God's system of blessing and judgment based on human obedience or disobedience.
In [[Psalm 129:7]], the empty chôtsen of the wicked stands as a testament to God's justice; those who oppose His people will not prosper, and their efforts will yield no lasting fruit. This imagery underscores the principle that true prosperity and blessing come from the Lord, and rebellion leads to barrenness and futility.
[[Nehemiah 5:13]] presents the chôtsen as a dramatic instrument of prophetic action. Nehemiah's act of shaking out his chôtsen is a performative curse, invoking God's active judgment upon those who violate the covenant and exploit the vulnerable. It signifies a stripping away of all that one has accumulated, a divine reversal of fortune. This demonstrates God's commitment to justice and His willingness to intervene to protect the oppressed and uphold the integrity of His people.
Thus, the chôtsen becomes a physical metaphor for the outcomes of life lived in relationship with God—either filled with the blessings of obedience or emptied by the consequences of sin and rebellion. It highlights the tangible and often public nature of God's dealings with humanity.
### Summary
`{{H2684}}` (חֹצֶן, chôtsen) is a rare but significant Hebrew term referring to the "bosom," "arm," or "lap," specifically denoting the functional space used for carrying or receiving. Its two occurrences in the Hebrew Bible are highly illustrative. In [[Nehemiah 5:13]], the shaking out of the chôtsen symbolizes a dramatic curse, signifying the complete loss of possessions and security due to covenant infidelity. In [[Psalm 129:7]], the empty chôtsen of the wicked portrays the futility and lack of divine blessing on their endeavors. While closely related to `{{H2683}}` (חֵצֶן) and conceptually linked to `{{H2436}}` (חֵיק), chôtsen particularly emphasizes the practical aspect of holding or receiving material outcomes. Theologically, chôtsen serves as a powerful symbol within the biblical narrative, illustrating divine principles of provision and judgment, where the state of one's "bosom" or "lap" reflects the tangible consequences of human actions in relation to God's righteous standards.
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