חַ֫יִל (cha.yil)
cha.yil
strength
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chayil primarily denotes strength or power, but its meaning expands to include an organized group of people, such as an army or a military force. This dual sense reflects how physical capability often translates into collective action in the ancient world. It is not merely abstract might, but tangible power that can be mobilized.
In the biblical text, this word appears in contexts involving both personal ability and national defense. For instance, it describes the resources or strength available to a leader, as seen in passages like Ezra 8:22 where the king’s hand is described as being upon the people for protection. It also refers to the army itself, such as the forces under command in Daniel.
The root of chayil suggests value or worth, which adds depth to its usage. When applied to people, it can imply virtue or excellence, though in the specific occurrences provided, the focus remains on strength and military might. This highlights the biblical view that power is a resource to be stewarded responsibly.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chayil speaks of tangible strength that can be organized and used for protection or action. In ancient times, this meant both personal power and the collective force of an army. It reminds us that strength is not just about individual ability but also about how we stand together with others to face challenges.
When we encounter situations where we feel weak, chayil encourages us to look beyond ourselves. It shows that God often provides resources and community support to help us endure difficult seasons. This perspective helps us trust that our efforts are part of a larger plan, grounded in divine provision rather than mere human effort.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ power2×
- power1×
- and/ power1×
- [were] in/ army/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַ֙יִל֙1×
- וְ/חָֽיִל\׃\ \ס1×
- בְּ/חַ֔יִל1×
- בְ/חָ֑יִל1×
- בְ/חַיְלֵ֔/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:23
Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force of arms.
This verse illustrates chayil as the forceful power used to stop work, showing how strength can be wielded against God's people.
-
Daniel 3:20
He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
Here, mighty men are described as having chayil, highlighting their physical capability and authority to bind the faithful.
-
Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
The king offers high honors to those who interpret the writing, implying that wisdom itself is a form of strength valued in the kingdom.