הָלִיךְ (ha.likh)
ha.likh
step
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun halikh means "step" or "pace." It is a rare word in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the entire Old Testament. This single occurrence is found in Job 29:6, where the patriarch recalls his former days of prosperity and honor.
In that verse, Job describes how God anointed his steps with butter. The image suggests a path that was smooth, rich, and easy to travel. It conveys a sense of divine favor that made his journey through life free from hardship or obstacle. The word focuses on the physical act of walking, but in this context, it points to the quality of God's blessing on his daily conduct.
Because the term is so uncommon, it carries a unique weight in its solitary appearance. It highlights how Job viewed his past not just as successful, but as divinely guided and supported at every turn. The rarity of the word underscores the uniqueness of that season in his life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Job remembers his past, he speaks of a time when his steps were anointed with richness. The Hebrew word for step here is rare, appearing only once in the Old Testament. This scarcity gives the image special weight. It paints a picture of a life where God’s favor made the path smooth and abundant.
For your own walk, this reminds us that every step matters. Whether you are moving through seasons of ease or difficulty, your daily conduct is seen. Job’s memory shows how divine blessing can make even ordinary paths feel supported and guided. It invites us to trust that God is present in the small movements of our lives.
Even when the road feels rough, we can look back with gratitude for times of grace. This word encourages a gentle awareness of God’s presence in your daily journey. May you find peace knowing that your steps are held, now and always.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- steps/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֲלִיכַ֣/י1×
Key Verses
-
Job 29:6
when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out streams of oil for me,
This is the only occurrence of the word in Scripture, using it to describe a past season where divine favor made Job's path abundantly smooth and blessed.