from חָקַק; an enactment, a resolution; decree, thought.
Transliteration:chêqeq
Pronunciation:khay'-kek
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2711 (חֵקֶק, chêqeq) is derived from the verbal root `{{H2710}}` (חָקַק, chaqaq), which fundamentally means "to engrave," "to inscribe," "to cut in," and by extension, "to decree," "to ordain," or "to legislate."
Building on this root, chêqeq carries the core meaning of something that is firmly established, fixed, or enacted. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Enactment / Decree:** A formal pronouncement or law that has been established, much like something inscribed in stone. This refers to a binding ordinance or statute.
2. **Resolution:** A firm decision or determination, indicating a settled purpose that is not easily altered.
3. **Thought (as settled purpose):** Not a fleeting idea, but a deep-seated intention or plan that has been determined and is intended for execution. This meaning emphasizes the deliberate and unchangeable nature of the underlying intention.
Thus, chêqeq signifies a fixed and authoritative declaration, whether a legal statute or a determined intention, carrying the weight of permanence and authority implied by its root's meaning of inscription.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H2711 appears in a limited number of biblical texts, each illustrating its nuanced meaning:
* **[[Numbers 21:18]]**: "The well which the princes dug, which the nobles of the people delved, with the scepter and with their staves." Here, chêqeq is often translated as "lawgiver" or "by the direction of the lawgiver." The context is a poetic passage celebrating the digging of a well, likely under the authority or decree of the leaders (princes and nobles). The "scepter" is a symbol of royal or tribal authority, indicating that the well's digging was not arbitrary but an act sanctioned by an established decree or ordinance. This highlights chêqeq as an authoritative enactment.
* **[[Proverbs 31:5]]**: "lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted." In this verse, chêqeq is clearly translated as "decree" or "law." The passage warns against rulers consuming too much wine, lest it impair their judgment and cause them to disregard or distort the established laws, leading to injustice for the vulnerable. This use underscores chêqeq as a foundational legal or moral ordinance that must be remembered and upheld.
* **[[Isaiah 10:1]]**: "Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to those who write oppressive decisions." Here, chêqeq appears in a plural construct form, "decrees of unrighteousness." This is a strong condemnation of corrupt officials who use their authority to establish unjust laws that oppress the poor and needy. This instance demonstrates that while chêqeq refers to an established decree, its moral quality depends entirely on its content and source. It can be a tool for righteousness or for wickedness.
Across these occurrences, the common thread is the concept of something fixed, established, or ordained by authority, whether for a specific action (digging a well), a general legal framework, or an oppressive mandate.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H2711 is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H2710}}` (חָקַק, chaqaq):** The verbal root from which chêqeq is derived. This direct connection is crucial, as chêqeq represents the *result* or *product* of the action of chaqaq (to engrave, decree). If chaqaq is the act of legislating, chêqeq is the legislation itself.
* **`{{H2706}}` (חֹק, choq):** Another noun derived from `{{H2710}}`, meaning "statute," "ordinance," "boundary," or "portion." chêqeq and choq are very similar in semantic range, both referring to established laws or decrees. While choq often denotes a prescribed rule or custom, chêqeq might emphasize the *act* of decreeing or the *settled purpose* behind the decree more directly.
* **`{{H4941}}` (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat):** Meaning "judgment," "justice," "custom," or "ordinance." chêqeq refers to specific enactments that contribute to the broader concept of mishpat (justice or legal order).
* **`{{H8451}}` (תּוֹרָה, torah):** "Law," "instruction," particularly God's divine instruction. Specific chêqeq (decrees) would be integral components within the larger framework of torah.
* **Concepts:** Authority, legislation, divine will, human law, established order, fixed purpose, and the ethical implications of legal pronouncements.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chêqeq is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Order:** When implicitly referring to God's decrees, chêqeq underscores His absolute authority and sovereign will. God's chêqeq establishes the cosmic and moral order, reflecting His immutable character and ensuring the stability of creation. His "thoughts" or "resolutions" are not subject to change, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His purposes.
2. **Foundation of Justice and Righteousness:** God's chêqeq provides the unshakeable foundation for true justice and righteousness in the world. These divine enactments are not arbitrary but are expressions of His perfect nature, guiding humanity toward a life that honors Him and fosters communal well-being.
3. **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** The existence of chêqeq (whether divine or human) implies a standard by which actions are judged. [[Proverbs 31:5]] highlights the grave danger of forgetting or perverting these decrees, emphasizing human accountability to uphold established laws, particularly those designed to protect the vulnerable.
4. **Critique of Unrighteous Authority:** [[Isaiah 10:1]] provides a powerful theological critique. It reveals that human chêqeq can be "unrighteous," used for oppression rather than justice. This passage implicitly points to a higher, divine chêqeq against which all human laws and resolutions must be measured. It serves as a prophetic warning against any authority that legislates injustice, asserting that such decrees stand condemned before God.
### Summary
H2711 (חֵקֶק, chêqeq) is a Hebrew noun derived from `{{H2710}}` (חָקַק), signifying an "enactment," "resolution," or "fixed thought." It denotes something firmly established, whether an inscribed law, an authoritative command, or a settled purpose. Its biblical occurrences in [[Numbers 21:18]], [[Proverbs 31:5]], and [[Isaiah 10:1]] illustrate its use in contexts of authoritative pronouncements, legal ordinances, and even oppressive legislation. Closely related to `{{H2706}}` (חֹק), chêqeq emphasizes the concept of established statutes and ordinances. Theologically, chêqeq speaks profoundly to divine authority and sovereignty, serving as the foundation for order and justice. It underscores human responsibility to uphold righteous decrees and provides a prophetic lens for critiquing unrighteous human legislation, ultimately pointing to the immutable nature of God's purposes and the binding authority of His word.
TRV