חֵ֫לֶד (che.led)
che.led
Heled
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 Cheled, meaning "transient" or "fleeting," appears in the Old Testament as a personal identifier for one of King David’s elite warriors. Listed among the mighty men who supported David during the United Monarchy, he is identified as the son of Baanah and a resident of Netophah. His brief mention serves to anchor his identity within the historical record of David’s loyal retinue.
Scriptural references present this figure under slightly varied spellings across different books. He is called Cheled in 2 Samuel 23:29 and 1 Chronicles 11:30, while 1 Chronicles 27:15 refers to him as Heldai. Some lexical sources also note a connection to the name Heleb, suggesting that these variations may reflect different transliterations of the same individual or closely related family lines within the Netophathite clan.
The meaning of the name itself offers a poignant contrast to his role. While "transient" implies something temporary or passing, Cheled is remembered as part of the enduring legacy of David’s military strength. His inclusion in these lists highlights how ordinary individuals contributed to significant historical moments, with their names preserved not for personal glory but as witnesses to the stability of the kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Cheled carries a meaning that feels almost ironic given his role as one of King David’s mighty warriors. While his name suggests something fleeting or temporary, his presence in the historical record stands as a permanent testament to loyalty and service. This contrast reminds us that our own contributions to God’s work do not need to be loud or long-lasting to matter.
In 1 Chronicles 11:30, Cheled is listed alongside other brave men who stood by David. His inclusion shows that God values the faithful participation of ordinary people in significant moments of history. You do not need a grand title or eternal fame to leave a lasting impact; simply showing up with courage and integrity is enough.
Reflecting on this, we can find comfort in knowing that our small acts of faithfulness are recorded and valued. Whether your service is brief or long, it contributes to the greater story of God’s kingdom. Trust that your steady presence, like Cheled’s, has meaning beyond what you might see today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Heled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵ֥לֶד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 11:30
Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
This verse identifies Cheled as a Netophathite warrior, anchoring his identity within David’s loyal military retinue and highlighting the value of individual service in supporting leadership.