from חָתַף; properly, rapine; figuratively, robbery; prey.
Transliteration:chetheph
Pronunciation:kheh'-thef
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word chetheph (`{{H2863}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root chataph (`{{H2862}}`), which means "to snatch," "to seize," or "to carry off suddenly." Consequently, chetheph primarily denotes the *act* or *result* of such a swift, forceful seizure. Its core meaning encompasses "rapine," implying violent plundering or robbery, often executed with speed and aggression. Figuratively, it extends to "robbery" in a broader sense, emphasizing the illicit and forceful taking of possessions. The term also refers to "prey," signifying the object or victim that is seized or carried off. The semantic range of chetheph thus consistently points to a violent, unjust, and sudden appropriation, whether of property or life, carrying a strong negative connotation of aggression and vulnerability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chetheph (`{{H2863}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a poignant illustration of its meaning:
* **[[Job 9:26]]**: "They glide by like swift ships, like an eagle swooping on its *prey* (חֶתֶף)."
In this lament, Job uses chetheph to describe the object of an eagle's predatory dive. The imagery conveys speed, inevitability, and the overwhelming power of the aggressor over the victim. Job employs this metaphor to express the rapid and seemingly unstoppable passage of his days, which vanish as swiftly and decisively as a bird of prey seizes its victim. The context underscores Job's profound sense of helplessness and the feeling that his life is being snatched away without recourse, reflecting his despair in the face of what he perceives as divine indifference or overwhelming power.
* **[[Psalm 124:6]]**: "Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as *prey* (חֶתֶף) to their teeth."
This verse is part of a psalm of thanksgiving, where the psalmist expresses profound gratitude for divine deliverance. Here, chetheph metaphorically refers to Israel being spared from becoming the "prey" of their powerful and malicious enemies. The "teeth" symbolize the destructive intent and capability of these adversaries. The psalmist acknowledges that without the Lord's intervention, Israel would have been utterly consumed or devoured. This usage emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of God's people in the face of overwhelming opposition and highlights God's active role as a protector and deliverer who prevents them from falling victim to destructive forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding chetheph (`{{H2863}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **chataph (`{{H2862}}`):** The direct verbal root from which chetheph is derived, meaning "to snatch," "to seize," or "to carry off." This verbal action is the foundation for the noun's meaning.
* **gazel (`{{H1498}}`):** "Robbery," "plunder," or "things taken by violence." While gazel also denotes illicit taking, chetheph often emphasizes the sudden, forceful act of seizure or the object seized, whereas gazel can refer more broadly to the act of robbery or the ill-gotten gains.
* **shalal (`{{H7998}}`):** "Booty," "spoil," or "plunder." This term typically refers to material possessions taken in war, often through a violent seizure, aligning with the "rapine" aspect of chetheph.
* **teref (`{{H2964}}`):** "Torn prey," "food obtained by tearing." This word specifically describes an animal torn apart by a predator, sharing the "prey" connotation of chetheph but with an added emphasis on the act of tearing or rending.
* **arad (`{{H6206}}`):** A verb meaning "to plunder," "to prey." This term describes the act of preying, similar to the predatory aspect of chetheph.
Collectively, these words paint a picture of violent appropriation, often with connotations of injustice, destruction, and vulnerability, whether in the context of human conflict or natural predation.
### Theological Significance
Despite its limited occurrences, chetheph (`{{H2863}}`) conveys significant theological insights:
* In [[Job 9:26]], the word underscores the human experience of vulnerability and the fleeting nature of life. Job's use of chetheph highlights the feeling of being at the mercy of overwhelming forces, whether divine or existential, against which human agency seems powerless. It evokes the precariousness of life and the swiftness with which well-being and hope can be snatched away, prompting profound questions about divine justice and human suffering.
* In [[Psalm 124:6]], chetheph serves as a powerful affirmation of divine protection and deliverance. The psalmist's gratitude testifies to God's active intervention, preventing Israel from becoming utterly consumed by their enemies. This illustrates God as the ultimate Guardian and Redeemer, one who faithfully shields His people from the destructive intentions of adversaries. It emphasizes the stark contrast between human vulnerability to malevolent forces and the omnipotent, preserving power of the Lord.
* The word implicitly highlights the predatory nature of evil and opposition in the world, whether manifested through human enemies, systemic injustice, or the broader forces of suffering. It underscores the profound need for divine intervention and the immeasurable blessing of God's protective hand in safeguarding His people from being utterly consumed or destroyed by these forces.
### Summary
The Hebrew word chetheph (`{{H2863}}`) denotes "rapine," "robbery," or "prey," consistently conveying the idea of something taken or seized suddenly and violently. Derived from chataph (`{{H2862}}`, "to snatch"), it inherently carries a connotation of forceful, often unjust, appropriation. Its two biblical occurrences, in [[Job 9:26]] and [[Psalm 124:6]], vividly illustrate its semantic range. In Job, it portrays the swift and inevitable seizure of a victim by a predator, underscoring human vulnerability and the fleeting nature of existence. In Psalm 124, it highlights God's protective power, preventing His people from becoming "prey" to their destructive enemies. Theologically, chetheph illuminates both the precariousness of the human condition in the face of overwhelming forces and the profound security found in God's active deliverance and protection from malevolent powers. It serves as a stark reminder of the predatory nature of evil and the essential role of divine intervention in preserving life and well-being.
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