חֵיק (cheq)
cheq
bosom: embrace
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 29 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun cheq refers to the bosom, lap, or fold of a garment near the chest. It describes a space created by clothing that can hold objects or embrace a person. This physical hollow serves as a place of concealment and closeness, functioning as both a literal pocket and a metaphor for intimacy.
Its usage highlights two distinct contexts. In Proverbs 16:33 and 21:14, gifts are placed into the bosom to be kept secret, suggesting a hidden or private transaction. In contrast, it denotes deep relational bonds when used of people. A mother holds an infant in her lap as seen in Ruth 4:16, while Deuteronomy 28 describes the tragic loss of family members from one’s bosom during siege.
The word also carries theological weight regarding divine justice. Psalms 79:12 and Jeremiah 32:18 speak of God recompensing people into their bosom. This imagery suggests that actions are gathered and returned to the doer with full measure, emphasizing personal accountability and the intimate nature of God’s judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheq describes the space created by a folded garment near the chest. In ancient times, this fold served as a secure pocket for carrying valuables or holding a child close. It represents a place of safety, intimacy, and concealment. When someone is held in your bosom, they are kept close to your heart and protected from harm.
This imagery appears throughout Scripture to show deep connection. Naomi holds her grandson Ruth 4:16 in her lap, restoring family bonds after loss. Isaiah 40:11 portrays God carrying His lambs in His bosom, showing tender care for the vulnerable. It reminds us that we are held securely by those who love us.
At the same time, cheq carries weight regarding accountability. Proverbs 16:33 notes that decisions come from Yahweh, even when cast into the lap like a lot. God sees what is hidden and brings justice. This offers comfort that no act of kindness or cruelty goes unnoticed by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 29 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ bosom/ your5×
- bosom/ your3×
- bosom/ their3×
- [the] bosom of3×
- in/ bosom/ my2×
- in/ bosom/ his2×
- in the/ bosom2×
- bosom/ his2×
- and/ in/ bosom/ his2×
- on/ bosom/ her1×
- in/ bosom/ her1×
- in/ [the] bosom of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/חֵיקֶ֔/ךָ3×
- חֵיקֶ֔/ךָ2×
- חֵ֥יק2×
- בְּ/חֵיק֑/וֹ2×
- מֵֽ/חֵיק֔/וֹ1×
- מֵ֭/חֵיק1×
- מֵ/חֵיקָ֗/הּ1×
- חֵֽיקְ/ךָ֣1×
- חֵיקָֽ/ם\׃\ \ס1×
- חֵיקָֽ/ם\׃1×
- חֵיקָ֔/הּ1×
- חֵיקָ֑/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 4:16
Naomi took the child, laid him in her bosom, and became nurse to him.
Naomi takes the child into her bosom, showing how this word signifies restoring family care and maternal intimacy after tragedy.
-
Isaiah 40:11
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead those who have their young.
God carries lambs in His bosom, using the image to illustrate His gentle, personal strength in protecting the vulnerable.
-
Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.
The lot is cast into the lap, illustrating that even seemingly random outcomes are held within God’s sovereign oversight.
-
Psalms 79:12
Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord.
God is asked to repay reproach into the bosom, showing how this term conveys the intimate return of actions to their doer.