from חָשַׁךְ; dark (figuratively, i.e. obscure); meaning
Transliteration:châshôk
Pronunciation:khaw-shoke'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk, `{{H2823}}`) is an adjective derived from the verbal root חָשַׁךְ (châshak, `{{H2821}}`), which means "to be dark," "to grow dark," or figuratively, "to be withheld" or "to restrain." As an adjective, חָשֹׁךְ carries the core meaning of "dark" or "obscure." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical absence of light to encompass figurative notions of hiddenness, secrecy, incomprehensibility, or that which is difficult to discern or understand. Unlike the more common noun חֹשֶׁךְ (choshek, `{{H2822}}`) which denotes "darkness" as a state or entity, חָשֹׁךְ describes something *as* dark or obscure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific lexical entry חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk, `{{H2823}}`) is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible. While some lexicons and concordances associate it with [[Proverbs 25:2]], its precise presence in the Masoretic Text in this form is a matter of scholarly discussion and textual emendation suggestions. The verse reads: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
Even if חָשֹׁךְ is not explicitly present as a distinct word in the received text of [[Proverbs 25:2]], the *concept* of "obscurity" or "hiddenness" is central to the verse's meaning. The verb used for "conceal" is הַסְתֵּר (hastêr), from סָתַר (sātar, `{{H5641}}`), meaning "to hide." The connection to חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk) lies in the idea that what God "conceals" is, by nature, "obscure" or "dark" to human understanding. The glory of God is precisely in His ability to hold certain matters in divine secrecy, making them inaccessible to human inquiry, contrasting with the royal duty to diligently investigate and bring matters to light. Thus, חָשֹׁךְ conceptually points to the enigmatic and hidden aspects of divine wisdom and sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk, `{{H2823}}`) is its root verb חָשַׁךְ (châshak, `{{H2821}}`), which frequently describes the onset of darkness (e.g., [[Jeremiah 13:16]]) or the withholding of light or provision (e.g., [[Joel 2:10]]). Another closely related term is the common noun חֹשֶׁךְ (choshek, `{{H2822}}`), meaning "darkness" itself, which appears extensively throughout the Old Testament, often symbolizing chaos, judgment, sin, or the realm of the dead.
Conceptually, חָשֹׁךְ relates to other words signifying concealment or mystery, such as סָתַר (sātar, `{{H5641}}`, "to hide"), כָּסָה (kāsāh, `{{H3680}}`, "to cover"), and עָלַם ('ālam, `{{H5956}}`, "to be hidden"). It stands in stark contrast to terms associated with light (אוֹר, 'or, `{{H216}}`), revelation (גָּלָה, gālâh, `{{H1540}}`, "to uncover, reveal"), and understanding (בִּין, bîn, `{{H995}}`, "to understand").
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk, `{{H2823}}`) — that which is dark, obscure, or hidden — carries profound theological significance. In the context of [[Proverbs 25:2]], it speaks to the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God. God's glory is not diminished but enhanced by His capacity to conceal certain truths or plans from human scrutiny. This divine "obscurity" is not a flaw but a testament to His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, which far surpass human intellect. It reminds humanity of its creaturely limits and the vastness of divine knowledge.
This idea resonates with other biblical passages where God dwells in "thick darkness" (e.g., [[Exodus 20:21]], [[1 Kings 8:12]]) or where His ways are "unsearchable" (e.g., [[Romans 11:33]]). It highlights a tension between God's self-revelation and His inherent mystery. While God reveals Himself progressively and graciously, there remain aspects of His being, His counsel, and His operations that are חָשֹׁךְ — obscure, hidden, and beyond full human comprehension. This encourages humility, trust, and a continued pursuit of the knowledge of God, even as one acknowledges the limits of that pursuit.
### Summary
חָשֹׁךְ (châshôk, `{{H2823}}`) is a rare Hebrew adjective meaning "dark" or "obscure," derived from the root חָשַׁךְ (`{{H2821}}`), "to be dark" or "to withhold." While its direct presence in the biblical text is debated, its conceptual essence is powerfully conveyed in passages like [[Proverbs 25:2]]. It points to the profound theological truth that God's glory is manifested not only in His revelation but also in His divine concealment. The "obscure" nature of God's hidden matters underscores His infinite wisdom, transcendence, and the ultimate limits of human understanding, inviting reverent awe and humble inquiry into the depths of His being.
TRV