חֵ֫לֶב (che.lev)
che.lev
Heleb
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ḥeleb, meaning "fat" or "richness," identifies a specific warrior in the army of King David. He appears primarily in the lists of David’s mighty men, where he is described as the son of Baanah and a native of Netophah (2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:30). In this context, the name likely signifies strength or prosperity, attributes fitting for a soldier who stood with the king.
Textual variations in the biblical record show this figure referred to as Heled in one parallel account (1 Chronicles 11:30) and Heldai in another (1 Chronicles 27:15). These minor spelling differences reflect common scribal practices rather than distinct individuals. The core meaning of the name, associated with fertility or abundance, stands in contrast to the harsh realities of warfare, perhaps highlighting the hope for peace and provision that David’s reign represented.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name ḥeleb carries a simple but powerful meaning: fat or richness. In ancient Israel, this word was not just about food; it symbolized prosperity, strength, and the best that life had to offer. When we see this name attached to Heleb, one of David’s mighty men, it paints a picture of a man who embodied the vitality needed for battle.
His presence in the lists of David’s warriors reminds us that God uses people from all walks of life to accomplish His purposes. Whether his name was given at birth or reflected his character, it points to a life marked by abundance and capability. For you, this might be a gentle reminder that your own strengths and resources are part of who you are.
It is comforting to know that even in times of conflict, there is an underlying hope for peace and provision. The reign of David represented a time where such richness could flourish, offering a glimpse of God’s blessing on His people. May you find encouragement in knowing that your life, with all its unique gifts, is part of a larger story of faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Heleb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵ֥לֶב1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:29
Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
This verse explicitly identifies Heleb as the son of Baanah and a Netophathite, anchoring his identity within David's military structure.