חָטַף (cha.taph)
cha.taph
to catch
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chataf means to catch or seize something suddenly. It describes a quick, physical act of grabbing hold of an object or person. This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, making its usage quite rare and specific.
In Judges 16:25, it describes Samson’s enemies seizing him after they cut his hair. The context shows a violent, forceful capture rather than a gentle holding. In Psalm 83:13, it appears in a metaphorical sense where God causes His enemies to be caught like chaff before the wind. Here, the idea is not just physical grasping but being overwhelmed or overtaken by a powerful force.
Unlike other Hebrew words for taking or holding, chataf emphasizes speed and suddenness. The action happens quickly, often without warning. This nuance helps distinguish it from more general terms for possession or capture. The word’s rarity suggests it was reserved for moments of abrupt change or unexpected events in biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chataf describes a sudden, forceful act of catching or seizing something. It is not a gentle gathering but a quick grab that happens without warning. This rarity in Scripture highlights moments where control shifts abruptly, often leaving people feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed.
In Judges 21:21, the word illustrates a calculated seizure during a dance, showing how quickly circumstances can turn from celebration to capture. In Psalm 10:9, it depicts a predator lying in wait to snatch the helpless, emphasizing the danger of being caught off guard by evil intentions.
For your faith, this word reminds us that sudden changes are part of life. When you feel like you are being seized by unexpected events or hidden threats, remember that God sees these moments. He is present even when situations shift rapidly, offering stability when the ground feels like it is moving beneath your feet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ seize1×
- he seizes1×
- and/ you will seize1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/חֲט֣וֹף1×
- יַחְטֹ֥ף1×
- וַ/חֲטַפְתֶּ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 21:21
and see, and behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards, and each man catch his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.
This verse uses the word to describe a planned, sudden seizure of wives during a dance, highlighting the abruptness and forcefulness of the act.
-
Psalms 10:9
He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless when he draws him in his net.
Here the term illustrates a predator's sudden capture of the helpless, emphasizing the vulnerability of being caught off guard by evil.