חַד (chad)
chad
one
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word chad is the basic numeral for "one." It appears eleven times in the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Daniel and Ezra. In these texts, it functions as a straightforward counter or identifier, marking singular entities without the complex theological weight found in later philosophical uses of unity.
Its usage is notably practical. For instance, in Ezra 4:14, it helps specify the single group of people speaking against Jerusalem, while in Daniel 3:6, it counts the individual figures standing before King Nebuchadnezzar. The sources indicate it can also serve as an indefinite article, similar to "a" or "an," introducing a noun for the first time.
Unlike more abstract terms for oneness, chad remains grounded in counting and identification. It distinguishes a single item from many, providing clarity in administrative records and historical narratives rather than exploring metaphysical concepts of unity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chad simply means "one." It is a basic numeral used to count or identify a single person, object, or event. In the Old Testament, it appears mostly in historical records like Ezra and Daniel. These texts use it to clarify facts: who wrote a letter, when a decree was issued, or how many people stood before a king.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God works through specific, real moments in history. He does not deal in vague abstractions but in concrete events that can be recorded and remembered. When Scripture mentions "one" decree or "one" dream, it points to the reliability of God's word and His presence in our daily lives.
Whether you are reading about ancient kings or modern challenges, you can trust that God sees the details. He knows each person by name and counts every moment. This simple word invites us to rest in the certainty that we are known individually by a faithful Creator who keeps His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- one9×
- as/ one1×
- [is] one1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַד֙3×
- כַ/חֲדָ֡ה1×
- חַ֨ד\־1×
- חֲדָה\־1×
- חֲדָ֜ה1×
- חֲדָ֗ה1×
- חֲדָ֖ה1×
- חֲדָ֔ה1×
- חֲדָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 2:9
But if you don’t make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until the situation changes. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can show me its interpretation.”
The word emphasizes the single, unchangeable law facing Daniel, highlighting the seriousness of his situation.
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Ezra 5:13
But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
It identifies the specific first year of Cyrus's reign when the decree for rebuilding the temple was issued.
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Daniel 7:5
“Behold, there was another animal, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. They said this to it: ‘Arise! Devour much flesh!’
The term describes the bear being raised on one side, providing a clear visual detail of the vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chad mean?
How is chad different from other words for unity?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 4 verses
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
Ezra 5:13But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
Ezra 6:2A scroll was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, and in it this was written for a record:
Ezra 6:3In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning God’s house at Jerusalem, let the house…