חֵ֫לֶם (che.lem)
che.lem
Helem
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 ḥelem appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying Helem as one of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem under Zechariah’s prophetic leadership (Zechariah 6:10). In this specific context, he is listed among those receiving silver and gold for the construction of crowns, marking him as a participant in the community’s restoration efforts.
Lexical sources note that the name likely derives from a root meaning "strength" or possibly "dream." It is also identified as an alternative spelling for Heldai (H2469), suggesting a connection to another returned exile. The brevity of its scriptural record highlights how individual names in these lists serve to anchor the historical reality of the post-exilic community, preserving the identity of those who rebuilt their lives and worship after the Babylonian captivity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Helem appears just once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Zechariah 6:14. It identifies a specific individual among the exiles who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. His inclusion in this brief list reminds us that God remembers ordinary people who participated in the restoration of their community.
This single mention anchors the historical reality of post-exilic life. Helem was part of a group receiving precious metals for temple crowns, symbols of God’s kingship over His restored people. Such details show that every name matters to God, even when history records only a fragment of their story.
For believers today, this passage offers comfort. It suggests that faithful participation in God’s work, however small it may seem, is remembered and valued. Your contributions to the community of faith are never overlooked by the Lord who calls each person by name.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ Helem1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/חֵ֙לֶם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 6:14
The crowns shall be to Helem, to Tobijah, to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in Yahweh’s temple.
This verse records Helem receiving a crown as part of the memorial in Yahweh’s temple, highlighting his role in the post-exilic restoration community.