a primitive root; also interchangeable for חָשַׂךְ; to cling, i.e. join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver; have a delight, (have a) desire, fillet, long, set (in) love.
Transliteration:châshaq
Pronunciation:khaw-shak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H2836 (חָשַׁק, *châshaq*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of strong attachment or binding. Its primary semantic range extends from the concrete sense of "to cling" or "to join" to the more abstract and figurative meanings of "to love," "to delight in," or "to desire earnestly." This progression from physical adhesion to emotional connection is significant. The root implies an intense, purposeful affection, a setting of one's heart upon something or someone.
The definition also notes an interchangeability with H2820 (חָשַׂךְ, *châśak*), which generally means "to withhold" or "to restrain." While seemingly contradictory at first glance, this might point to a nuanced understanding where the act of *binding* or *joining* (חָשַׁק) can also imply a *holding back* or *restraining* in a particular context, or perhaps a scribal fluidity. However, the dominant usage of H2836 clearly leans towards attachment and affection. The noun form, derived from this root, can refer to a "fillet," a binding element used in the Tabernacle, underscoring the physical sense of joining and securing. The elliptical sense, "to deliver," arises as a natural consequence of divine love and delight, where God's intense affection for an individual leads Him to rescue or protect them.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H2836 appears in various contexts, illuminating its rich semantic breadth:
1. **Divine Love and Choice:** One of the most profound uses of H2836 describes God's sovereign and inexplicable love for His people. In [[Deuteronomy 10:15]], Moses declares, "Only the LORD *set His affection* on your fathers, to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day." Here, châshaq denotes God's deliberate and deep affection that undergirds His election and covenant relationship with Israel. It is not a fleeting emotion but a settled, active love.
2. **Human Desire and Affection:** The word also describes human longing or delight. For instance, in [[1 Kings 9:19]], it is said that Solomon built certain cities "according to all *his desire* which he desired." This illustrates a human will or strong inclination directed towards a specific goal. In [[Psalm 119:47]], the psalmist proclaims, "And I will *delight myself* in Your commandments, which I love." This demonstrates a devout individual's profound joy and attachment to God's law, an echo of God's own delight in His people.
3. **Love Leading to Deliverance:** A particularly powerful instance of the "elliptical" sense is found in [[Psalm 91:14]]: "Because he *has loved Me*, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name." Here, the deep affection and devotion (châshaq) that an individual has for God becomes the very basis for divine deliverance and exaltation. God's response is directly linked to the individual's love for Him, underscoring the active, reciprocal nature of the relationship.
4. **Physical Joining/Binding:** In its concrete sense, H2836 appears in the description of the Tabernacle. [[Exodus 27:17]] mentions "fillets" (derived from H2836) for the pillars of the court, indicating the bands or rods used to join and secure parts of the structure. This usage grounds the abstract meanings in a tangible reality of connection and integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H2836 intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms:
* `{{H157}}` (אָהַב, *'ahav*): The most common word for "to love." While ahav is a general term for affection, châshaq often implies a more intense, deliberate, and deeply rooted affection, sometimes with an emphasis on choice or delight.
* `{{H2654}}` (חָפֵץ, *châphêts*): "To delight in," "to desire," "to be pleased with." This term is very close to châshaq in its emotional range, often used interchangeably to express pleasure or strong preference, particularly in divine contexts.
* `{{H7521}}` (רָצָה, *râtzâh*): "To be pleased with," "to accept favorably." Similar to châphêts, this word also conveys divine approval or human acceptance.
* `{{H1692}}` (דָּבַק, *dâbaq*): "To cling," "to cleave," "to be joined to." This word shares the physical sense of attachment with châshaq and is often used to describe the covenantal bond between a man and woman ([[Genesis 2:24]]) or between Israel and the LORD ([[Deuteronomy 10:20]]). While dâbaq emphasizes the act of cleaving, châshaq often highlights the underlying affection or desire that *motivates* the clinging.
* `{{H2820}}` (חָשַׂךְ, *châśak*): "To withhold," "to restrain." As noted in the base definition, this word is considered interchangeable in some contexts, perhaps pointing to the idea of *holding on* to something precious, or the binding nature of fillets. However, their primary semantic ranges are distinct.
Theologically, châshaq is deeply intertwined with concepts of divine election, covenant loyalty, and the reciprocal nature of love between God and humanity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2836 is profound, particularly in its application to the divine-human relationship.
1. **God's Initiative in Love:** The use of châshaq to describe God's love for Israel ([[Deuteronomy 10:15]]) underscores the sovereign and unmerited nature of His choice. It is not based on Israel's merit but on God's own intrinsic delight and affection. This reveals a God who is not merely pleased but deeply attached to His people, a love that is foundational to His covenant promises and redemptive acts.
2. **The Basis of Deliverance:** The powerful declaration in [[Psalm 91:14]] highlights that God's deliverance is a direct consequence of the individual's châshaq for Him. This is not a transactional relationship but a response to genuine, heart-felt devotion. It implies that knowing God's name and setting one's love upon Him activates His protective and saving power. This elevates human love for God beyond mere emotion to a transformative spiritual posture that invites divine intervention.
3. **The Ideal of Human Devotion:** When applied to human beings, châshaq describes the ideal response to God's goodness: a deep delight in His commandments ([[Psalm 119:47]]) and a profound affection for His person. This is not a burdensome obligation but a joyful attachment, reflecting the very nature of God's love for His creation. It speaks to the heart's yearning for communion with the Divine.
4. **Covenantal Binding:** The root's connection to "joining" or "binding" (as seen in the "fillets" of the Tabernacle) implicitly speaks to the strong, unbreakable bond of the covenant. God's châshaq for His people establishes a secure and enduring relationship, making them His own.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2836 (חָשַׁק, *châshaq*) is a multifaceted verb signifying "to cling," "to join," and more profoundly, "to love," "to delight in," and "to desire earnestly." It encapsulates an intense, purposeful affection, whether describing God's sovereign choice and delight in His people ([[Deuteronomy 10:15]]) or humanity's heartfelt devotion to God and His commandments ([[Psalm 119:47]]). Crucially, châshaq reveals that God's deep affection for those who love Him leads directly to their deliverance and security ([[Psalm 91:14]]), demonstrating a dynamic and responsive divine love. From the physical joining of elements in the Tabernacle to the spiritual bond of covenant, châshaq consistently points to a profound and active connection, making it a pivotal term for understanding both divine initiative and human devotion in biblical theology.
TRV