חָלַט (cha.lat)
cha.lat
to catch
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chalat appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 20:33. In this specific instance, it is used in the Hiphil stem to describe a group of men who eagerly "snatched" or "caught" a word from the lips of the king of Aram. The action conveys a sense of urgent attention, as if they were physically reaching out to seize something valuable that had just been spoken.
Because this is its sole occurrence, the word does not have a broad range of meaning across Scripture. It specifically denotes the act of taking up or catching a spoken message with immediate interest. The context shows these men reacting quickly to the king’s unexpected offer of peace, treating his words as something worth grabbing before they were lost.
This rare usage highlights how biblical Hebrew can use physical verbs for mental or social actions. Here, the idea of catching is applied to hearing and retaining a message. Translators typically render this as "caught the word" or "snatched it," preserving the vivid image of eager reception found in the original text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter difficult situations or unexpected kindness from others, our natural instinct is often to wait and see what happens next. In 1 Kings 20:33, a group of men reacted differently. They did not hesitate or overthink the king’s surprising offer of peace. Instead, they hurried to catch his words, treating them as something precious that needed to be secured immediately.
This vivid image reminds us that spiritual opportunities often require our active attention. God may speak through circumstances, people, or Scripture in ways that demand a quick and eager response. By listening closely and holding fast to what is true, we allow His guidance to shape our path. May you find the grace to receive His word with such urgent joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they caught1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יַּחְלְט֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 20:33
Now the men observed diligently and hurried to take this phrase; and they said, “Your brother Ben Hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben Hadad came out to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
This verse shows the men physically rushing to seize the king's offer of peace, illustrating how eagerly they received his unexpected words.