חַכָּה (chak.kah)
chak.kah
hook
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chak.kah refers to a hook, specifically one fastened into the jaw of a fish. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, serving as a vivid metaphor for divine control and judgment. The term describes the physical instrument used by fishermen to catch their prey, emphasizing the helplessness of the caught animal against the power of the angler.
In Isaiah 37:29, God uses this image to describe His authority over King Sennacherib, stating He will put a hook in his nose and a bridle in his lips. This usage highlights how God can redirect the movements of powerful nations with the same ease as catching a fish. Similarly, Habakkuk 1:15 employs the word to critique those who celebrate their own fishing success, implying that human pride is misplaced when God holds the ultimate authority over life and death.
Although rare, the word carries significant theological weight by illustrating the contrast between human ambition and divine sovereignty. It reminds readers that even the most powerful figures are subject to God’s will, just as a fish is subject to the hook. The imagery underscores the reality that God directs history according to His purposes, often in ways that surprise or humble those who rely on their own strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chak.kah describes a simple iron hook used to pull fish from the water. In the ancient world, this small tool demonstrated total control over a powerful creature. When Isaiah uses this image for King Sennacherib, he shows that no human leader is beyond God’s reach. Even the most arrogant kings can be guided or stopped by the Creator.
Habakkuk turns this picture on proud fishermen who celebrate their own skill. The prophet reminds us that our success often depends on forces we cannot control. When we feel secure in our abilities, this word invites humility. It suggests that true strength comes from trusting God rather than relying on our own cleverness.
This imagery offers comfort to those who feel overwhelmed by larger powers. If God holds the hook, He holds history. We can rest knowing that no scheme or plan escapes His notice. Our lives are in hands far greater than our own struggles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ a fish hook1×
- a fish hook1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַכָּ֑ה1×
- בְּ/חַכָּ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 19:8
The fishermen will lament, and all those who fish in the Nile will mourn, and those who spread nets on the waters will languish.
This verse sets the scene for the metaphor by describing the devastation of Egypt's fishing industry, highlighting how divine judgment disrupts human livelihood.
-
Habakkuk 1:15
He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad.
Here the hook symbolizes the Babylonian conqueror’s cruel efficiency, showing how pride in military success ignores God’s ultimate sovereignty over nations.