חֲלִי (cha.li)
cha.li
ornament
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chali refers to an ornament or piece of jewelry. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Proverbs 25:12, where it serves as a vivid metaphor for wise correction.
In this passage, a reproof from a discerning person is compared to an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold. The image suggests that truthful advice, when received with humility, is not just useful but beautiful and valuable. It transforms the listener, adding worth to their character rather than merely correcting behavior.
This single usage highlights how physical beauty in ancient Israel could reflect spiritual reality. Just as jewelry enhances outward appearance, wise words enhance the soul. The word itself does not carry complex theological weight elsewhere, but its rare appearance here anchors a practical wisdom about receiving instruction with grace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chali describes a beautiful piece of jewelry, specifically an ornament of fine gold. In Proverbs 25:12, this image is used to describe wise correction. When someone offers you honest feedback, it can feel like a precious gift rather than a criticism. This metaphor invites us to see truth as something that adds value and beauty to our character.
Receiving reproof with humility transforms how we view advice. Instead of resisting correction, we can appreciate the care behind it. Just as gold enhances outward appearance, wise words enhance the soul. This perspective helps us grow in grace and wisdom, turning difficult moments into opportunities for spiritual refinement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ an ornament of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/חֲלִי\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
This verse uses chali to compare wise reproof to a golden earring, showing that honest correction is valuable and beautiful when received by an obedient ear.