חֶ֫לֶד (che.led)
che.led
lifetime/world
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun cheled refers to a period of time that feels enduring or permanent, often translated as "lifetime" or "world." It captures the sense of something lasting through generations, distinguishing a stable duration from fleeting moments. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears only twice, both in poetic books where reflections on human existence are central.
Its usage highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of individual lives and the enduring quality of God’s covenant or creation. For instance, in Psalm 12:7, it describes the purity of God’s words that endure forever, standing against the shifting circumstances of the world. Similarly, Job uses it to ponder the longevity of human life in comparison to divine permanence.
Etymologically, cheled is linked to roots suggesting stability or continuity. This connection reinforces its meaning as a span of time defined by reliability rather than change. Translators often render it as "age" or "world" to convey this sense of lasting duration, helping readers grasp the weight of permanence in these ancient texts.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word cheled points to a span of time that feels solid and enduring. It is not just any duration, but one marked by stability. When we look at our own lives, they can feel fleeting, like shadows passing over the ground. Yet this word invites us to see beyond the immediate moment to something deeper.
In Psalm 17, the psalmist contrasts those whose portion is limited to this brief life with the eternal nature of God. It reminds us that while our days are numbered, our hope does not have to be small. We can anchor our hearts in a permanence that outlasts every changing season.
This perspective brings comfort when we feel uncertain about the future. Instead of worrying about what might fade, we can trust in the One who remains constant. Your life has weight and purpose, rooted in a love that does not shift with the times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lifespan1×
- from/ [the] world1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/חֶ֗לֶד1×
- חָ֑לֶד1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 17:14
from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.
This verse uses cheled to describe the limited portion of those who seek only earthly security, highlighting the contrast between temporary human wealth and eternal divine provision.
-
Job 11:17
Life will be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it will be as the morning.
Here the word frames the hope that even in darkness, life can become clear and stable, reflecting a peace that endures beyond present troubles.