חַח (chach)
chach
hook
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chach refers to a metal hook or ring, functioning as either a binding device or a piece of jewelry. Its meaning shifts dramatically depending on context: it can denote the cruel iron hooks used to drag captives, or the elegant nose rings and bracelets worn by women as ornaments.
This stark contrast appears in Scripture’s historical accounts. In II Kings 25:21, the term describes the iron hooks that secured prisoners during exile, evoking images of subjugation. Conversely, Isaiah 3:20 lists chach among the fine jewelry adorning a woman’s appearance, highlighting its use in personal adornment.
The word’s range captures both the brutality of conquest and the beauty of daily life. Translators must carefully distinguish between these senses to preserve the original intent, whether depicting the shame of captivity or the dignity of cultural dress.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chach describes a metal hook, but its emotional weight shifts entirely with context. In Isaiah and Kings, it appears as an instrument of humiliation—a nose ring used to drag kings like animals back along the path they came. This image reminds us that human pride is fragile, and no earthly power stands above God’s sovereign control.
Yet in Exodus, the same word describes jewelry offered willingly by hearts full of gratitude. Here, it signifies beauty, dignity, and a desire to honor God with what we possess. The object is neutral; the heart behind it defines its meaning.
Whether you feel bound by circumstances or free to give generously, this word invites reflection on where your life is being led. It challenges us to consider whether we are resisting God’s direction or offering our lives as a willing gift.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hook/ my2×
- nose ring[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַחִ֜/י2×
- חָ֣ח1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 19:28
Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore I will put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.’
This verse uses the hook metaphorically to show how God humbles arrogant rulers by controlling their movements.
-
Exodus 35:22
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.
Here the word refers to physical jewelry brought as voluntary offerings, highlighting generosity rather than coercion.
-
Isaiah 37:29
Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.
This parallel passage reinforces the theme of divine restraint, using the hook to depict God’s authority over enemy kings.