חֵ֫לֶף (che.leph)
che.leph
for
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word cheleph appears only twice in the Old Testament, functioning as a preposition that means "in exchange for" or "in return for." It is always found in the construct state, linking closely to the noun that follows it to express a transactional relationship. This rarity makes its usage distinct within the biblical text.
Its primary occurrence is in Numbers 35:31, where it governs the payment of blood money. The law states that no ransom (kofer) can be accepted for a murderer; instead, the perpetrator must face execution. Here, cheleph clarifies that one cannot substitute a financial exchange for the penalty of death. It underscores the seriousness of taking a life by ruling out any monetary compensation as an alternative.
The word emphasizes a direct substitution or equivalent return. In its second instance at Numbers 35:32, it reinforces this principle by stating that no ransom can be taken for one who flees to their death. The consistent theme is that certain values, like human life in cases of murder, cannot be traded or bought back with money. It serves as a linguistic marker for non-negotiable exchanges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheleph appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in Numbers. It functions as a preposition meaning "in exchange for" or "in return for." This rarity makes its usage distinct within the biblical text. Its primary occurrence is in Numbers 35:31, where it governs the payment of blood money. The law states that no ransom (kofer) can be accepted for a murderer; instead, the perpetrator must face execution. Here, cheleph clarifies that one cannot substitute a financial exchange for the penalty of death.
This emphasis on direct substitution highlights the seriousness of taking a life by ruling out any monetary compensation as an alternative. In Numbers 35:32, it reinforces this principle by stating that no ransom can be taken for one who flees to their death. The consistent theme is that certain values, like human life in cases of murder, cannot be traded or bought back with money. It serves as a linguistic marker for non-negotiable exchanges.
Understanding cheleph helps us see how the Bible treats justice and value. When we encounter this word, it reminds us that some things are beyond price. This perspective encourages us to respect the sanctity of life and the seriousness of our actions. It invites reflection on what we truly value and how we respond to wrongdoing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in return for2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵ֥לֶף1×
- חֵ֤לֶף1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 18:21
“To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.
This verse uses cheleph to describe the tithe given to the Levites as a direct exchange for their service in the Tent of Meeting.
-
Numbers 18:31
You may eat it anywhere, you and your households, for it is your reward in return for your service in the Tent of Meeting.
Here, cheleph reinforces that the tithe is the specific reward in return for the Levites' dedicated work at the Tent of Meeting.