חׇגְלָה (chog.lah)
chog.lah
Hoglah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Choglah, meaning "partridge," identifies one of the five daughters of Zelophehad from the tribe of Manasseh. She appears in the census records of Numbers 26:33 and is listed alongside her sisters Mahlah, Noah, Milcah, Tirzah, and herself as heirs to their father’s estate. This family line becomes significant later when these women approach Moses to request land inheritance, a case that sets a legal precedent for daughters in the absence of sons.
Choglah is mentioned again in Joshua 17:3-4, where she is described as receiving her portion of land in Gilead alongside her sisters. The biblical text highlights her role not through personal narrative but through her participation in this pivotal moment of tribal inheritance. Her name, evoking the agility and alertness of a partridge, stands in quiet contrast to the formal legal proceedings that define her scriptural presence.
Though she does not speak directly in the narrative, Choglah’s inclusion in the genealogies and land distribution records underscores the importance of women in maintaining tribal lineage and property rights during the Israelite conquest. Her story is part of a broader pattern where female figures navigate and influence social structures through legal means rather than political power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Choglah appears in the Bible as one of the five daughters of Zelophehad. Her name means "partridge," a bird known for being alert and agile. While she does not speak in the text, her presence in the census records shows that women were counted as full members of their community. This inclusion matters because it affirms the dignity and identity of every person in God’s people.
Her story is part of a larger moment when these sisters asked Moses for land inheritance. Their request led to a new legal rule protecting daughters who had no brothers. Choglah’s name reminds us that faithfulness often looks like quiet participation in God’s justice. It shows how ordinary people help shape the laws and traditions that guide their community.
When we read these names, we see that God cares about family lines and property rights. Choglah’s life teaches us that every voice counts, even when it is spoken through legal action rather than personal narrative. Her story encourages us to value the contributions of all members in our own communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Hoglah2×
- Hoglah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָגְלָ֥ה2×
- וְ/חָגְלָ֧ה1×
- וְ/חָגְלָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:33
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
This verse lists Choglah by name in the census, establishing her identity as a daughter of Zelophehad and confirming her place in the tribe of Manasseh.
-
Numbers 27:1
Then the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph came near. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Here Choglah is named among the sisters who approach Moses, marking the moment their request for inheritance begins to change tribal law.
-
Joshua 17:3
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Choglah is named again when her family receives land in Gilead, showing that their legal claim was fulfilled and recognized by the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Choglah mean?
Why is Choglah important in the Bible?
Where does Choglah appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Numbers 3 verses
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah,…
Numbers 27:1Then the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the…
Numbers 36:11for Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father’s brothers’…