### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חִתּוּל (chittûwl), Strong's number `{{H2848}}`, derives from the verb חָתַל (chathal), meaning "to wrap," "to swaddle," or "to bind up." As a noun, חִתּוּל refers to a "swaddling cloth," "bandage," or "roller." Its core meaning denotes an item used for binding or wrapping, specifically in the context of infant care or, by extension, for securing or protecting. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing on the physical object that provides containment, warmth, and a sense of security to a newborn or, potentially, to a wound. It implies a state of being cared for, protected, and properly attended to, particularly in a vulnerable state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חִתּוּל (chittûwl) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 16:4]]**: "As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in swaddling cloths."
In this singular occurrence, the prophet Ezekiel employs a vivid and disturbing metaphor to describe the origins of Jerusalem (personified as an abandoned infant). The absence of "chittûwl" in this verse is profoundly significant. It is listed among a series of basic, life-sustaining acts of infant care that were utterly neglected. To be "not wrapped in swaddling cloths" signifies a state of complete abandonment, vulnerability, and lack of foundational care. Swaddling was a universal ancient practice, providing warmth, security, and a sense of containment to newborns, believed to promote proper limb development and calm the infant. Its omission here underscores the utter desolation and unworthiness of the infant (Jerusalem) at its metaphorical birth, highlighting a state of extreme destitution and neglect before divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root from which חִתּוּל (chittûwl) is derived:
* **חָתַל (chathal)**: The verb "to swaddle" or "to wrap." This root emphasizes the action of binding or enclosing, which directly produces the noun "swaddling cloth."
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates, include:
* **Care and Nurture**: The concept of providing for the vulnerable, particularly infants, is central. This relates to broader biblical themes of divine providence and human responsibility for the helpless.
* **Covering/Clothing**: While "chittûwl" is specific to swaddling, it falls under the broader category of coverings or garments that provide protection, warmth, or signify status. Biblical texts often use clothing as a metaphor for righteousness, shame, or identity (e.g., God clothing Adam and Eve in [[Genesis 3:21]], or the "garments of salvation" in [[Isaiah 61:10]]).
* **Neglect and Abandonment**: The context in [[Ezekiel 16:4]] places "chittûwl" in stark contrast to these concepts, highlighting the dire consequences of their presence.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of חִתּוּל (chittûwl) in [[Ezekiel 16:4]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a powerful symbol of:
* **Profound Vulnerability and Helplessness**: The unswaddled infant represents a state of utter dependence and lack of self-sufficiency. Theologically, this underscores humanity's inherent spiritual helplessness apart from divine grace and intervention.
* **Divine Compassion and Redemptive Care**: The absence of "chittûwl" in Jerusalem's birth narrative sets the stage for God's subsequent intervention. Despite Jerusalem's initial state of utter abandonment, God "passed by" and "had compassion" (Ezekiel 16:6), washing, clothing, and adorning her. This illustrates God's unmerited favor and His initiative in redeeming and nurturing His people, providing the very care that was initially withheld. The "chittûwl" thus becomes a poignant reminder of the foundational care that God provides to those who are utterly destitute.
* **The Nature of God's Covenant**: The metaphor in Ezekiel 16 describes a covenant relationship initiated by God's unilateral act of grace towards an undeserving entity. The lack of basic care at birth emphasizes that the covenant was not based on any inherent merit or readiness of Jerusalem, but solely on God's love and sovereign choice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חִתּוּל (chittûwl), appearing uniquely in [[Ezekiel 16:4]], refers to a "swaddling cloth" or "bandage." Derived from the verb "to swaddle" (חָתַל, `{{H2848}}`), it denotes an item crucial for the basic care and protection of a newborn. Its singular biblical occurrence powerfully illustrates a state of profound neglect and abandonment, serving as a stark contrast to the meticulous care typically afforded to infants. Theologically, חִתּוּל symbolizes the foundational nurture and security that are absent in a state of spiritual desolation, thereby highlighting God's boundless compassion and redemptive initiative in providing for those utterly vulnerable and undeserving. It underscores the divine act of grace that brings life, protection, and dignity where only destitution existed.
TRV