הוּךְ (hukh)

hukh

to go

H1946 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

A:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: A:V

Word Overview

The word hukh is an Aramaean verb meaning to go, come, or walk. It appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Ezra. In these instances, it functions as a shortened form of the more common Hebrew root halakh, retaining the basic sense of physical movement from one place to another.

Its usage is straightforward and narrative-driven. For example, Ezra 4:9 uses hukh to describe officials traveling from various regions to meet King Artaxerxes in Jerusalem. The term does not carry heavy theological weight or metaphorical depth; it simply records that people were on the move, fulfilling a logistical role in the historical account of the post-exilic community.

Recognizing hukh as Aramaic helps explain its rarity in the broader biblical canon. While Hebrew writers typically preferred halakh for general movement, Ezra and other texts reflect the linguistic reality of the Persian period, where Aramaic was the administrative language. The word serves as a quiet marker of this historical context, grounding the narrative in the specific time and place of its composition.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hukh appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Ezra. It is an Aramaic verb meaning "to go," reflecting the linguistic reality of the Persian period when Aramaic served as the administrative language. In these brief instances, it simply records physical movement from one place to another, without heavy theological weight.

For example, in Ezra 7:13, King Artaxerxes decrees that anyone willing may go to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. This straightforward use of hukh highlights the logistical efforts behind the post-exilic community’s restoration. Recognizing this term helps us appreciate how God worked through historical events and human actions to fulfill His purposes.

While hukh itself carries no deep metaphorical meaning, its presence reminds us that God’s plans unfold in tangible ways—through people traveling, building, and obeying. Whether you are reading about ancient journeys or reflecting on your own path today, this word invites trust in God’s guidance over every step we take.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

to/ go1×
it will come1×
he will go1×
and/ let it go1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לִ/מְהָ֧ךְ1×
יְהָֽךְ\׃1×
יְהָ֑ךְ1×
וִ֠/יהָךְ1×

Key Verses

Ezra 7:13
I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.

This verse uses hukh to describe voluntary movement toward Jerusalem for rebuilding the temple, showing how divine purpose aligns with human action.
Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.

Here, hukh appears in a narrative context where God’s protection ensures progress despite opposition, emphasizing His sovereign oversight.
Ezra 6:5
Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everything to its place. You shall put them in God’s house.

Though not directly using hukh, this verse complements the theme by detailing the restoration of sacred objects, underscoring continuity in worship practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hukh mean?

Hukh is an Aramaic verb meaning "to go" or "to come." It appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within Ezra, and reflects the administrative language of the Persian period.

Why is hukh rare in the Bible?

Hukh is rare because it is Aramaic rather than Hebrew. During the Persian era, Aramaic was widely used for official matters, which explains its appearance in texts like Ezra.

How does hukh differ from halakh?

While both words mean "to go," halakh is a more common Hebrew root for walking or moving. Hukh, being Aramaic, is limited to specific historical contexts like Ezra.

Where does hukh appear in the Bible?

Hukh appears in Ezra 5:5, Ezra 6:5, and Ezra 7:13. These verses focus on the post-exilic community’s efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and restore worship.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Ezra 3 verses

Ezra 5:5

But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…

Ezra 6:5

Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…

Ezra 7:13

I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…