from כֹּל and חֹזֶה; every seer; Col-Chozeh, an Israelite; Col-hozeh.
Transliteration:Kol-Chôzeh
Pronunciation:kol-kho-zeh'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3626}}`, *Kol-Chôzeh*, functions as a proper name, derived from a combination of two significant Hebrew words: כֹּל (*kol*, `{{H3605}}`) and חֹזֶה (*chozeh*, `{{H2374}}`). The word כֹּל means "all," "every," or "whole," conveying a sense of totality or comprehensiveness. The word חֹזֶה means "seer," "visionary," or "prophet," stemming from the root חָזָה (*chazah*, `{{H2372}}`), "to see," "to behold," or "to gaze."
Thus, the literal meaning of *Kol-Chôzeh* is "Every Seer" or "All Seer." As a proper name, it suggests a profound connection to the concept of divine revelation and spiritual insight. While the exact reason for this name being bestowed upon an individual is not explicitly stated in the text, it inherently links the bearer to the tradition of prophetic vision and the discernment of God's will.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Kol-Chôzeh* (Col-hozeh in English translations) appears twice in the book of Nehemiah, placing him within the context of the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem:
1. **[[Nehemiah 3:15]]**: Here, Col-hozeh is identified as the father of Shallun, who served as the ruler of the district of Mizpah. Shallun is specifically noted for his participation in repairing the Fountain Gate, a crucial part of the communal effort to restore Jerusalem's defenses. This verse highlights Col-hozeh's connection to a family involved in the practical, physical restoration of the city under Nehemiah's leadership.
2. **[[Nehemiah 11:5]]**: In this passage, Col-hozeh is listed as an ancestor of Maaseiah, who is described as a son of Baruch. Maaseiah is among the prominent Judahites who settled in Jerusalem after the return from exile. This genealogical reference underscores Col-hozeh's place within a significant lineage that contributed to the repopulation and re-establishment of the holy city.
In both instances, Col-hozeh is not an active participant himself but is mentioned as a progenitor, linking his descendants to the vital work of rebuilding and re-inhabiting Jerusalem. His name, therefore, resonates as part of the heritage and spiritual lineage of those committed to God's covenant and the restoration of His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of *Kol-Chôzeh* connect it to several important biblical concepts:
* **כֹּל (*kol*, `{{H3605}}`)**: This word signifies totality, universality, or completeness. Its presence in the name might suggest a comprehensive or pervasive quality of "seeing" or insight, perhaps implying a family known for its widespread spiritual discernment.
* **חֹזֶה (*chozeh*, `{{H2374}}`)**: This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to refer to those who receive divine visions or prophetic messages. Figures like Gad ([[2 Samuel 24:11]]) and Iddo ([[2 Chronicles 9:29]]) are explicitly called *chozeh*. It emphasizes the reception of direct revelation from God, often through visual means.
* **חָזָה (*chazah*, `{{H2372}}`)**: The verbal root underlying *chozeh*, it describes the act of "seeing" in a profound, often spiritual sense, distinct from mere physical sight. It denotes perceiving divine truth or beholding God's glory.
* **Prophecy and Revelation**: The name inherently links to the broader themes of divine communication, the role of prophets and seers in Israel's history, and the way God reveals His will to His people.
* **Lineage and Heritage**: As a name passed down through generations, *Kol-Chôzeh* highlights the importance of family identity and the transmission of values or characteristics (perhaps spiritual insight) within a community.
* **Community and Restoration**: The context in Nehemiah situates Col-hozeh's descendants within the collective effort of restoring Jerusalem, emphasizing that spiritual heritage contributes to practical, communal endeavors.
### Theological Significance
While Col-hozeh is a minor figure, the theological weight of his name is considerable. "Every Seer" suggests a profound spiritual capacity or a family tradition deeply rooted in divine perception. In the context of the post-exilic return, when the people were striving to re-establish their covenant relationship with God and rebuild their spiritual and physical infrastructure, the name could be symbolically significant.
It might imply that the work of restoration required not just physical labor but also spiritual discernment – a "seeing" of God's hand, His promises, and His continuing purpose for His people. The presence of such a name in the genealogies of those who settled Jerusalem underscores that spiritual insight was a valued trait and a part of the heritage of the community. It reminds the reader that even in seemingly mundane tasks like rebuilding walls, there is a need for spiritual vision to perceive God's overarching plan. The name could also subtly point to the idea that God's revelation is not limited to a select few, but that a capacity for "seeing" His truth is, in a sense, available to "every" one who seeks Him and participates in His work.
### Summary
*Kol-Chôzeh* (`{{H3626}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "Every Seer" or "All Seer," derived from the words for "all" (כֹּל, `{{H3605}}`) and "seer" (חֹזֶה, `{{H2374}}`). He is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as the father of Shallun, who helped repair the Fountain Gate [[Nehemiah 3:15]], and as an ancestor of Maaseiah, a prominent resident of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:5]]. The name itself is rich in theological implication, linking its bearer and his descendants to the tradition of divine revelation and spiritual insight. It subtly suggests that the work of rebuilding God's people and city required not only physical effort but also a profound spiritual "seeing" of God's will and purpose. The name thus serves as a reminder of the enduring value of spiritual discernment and prophetic heritage within the covenant community.
TRV