חֶ֫לֶץ (che.lets)
che.lets
Helez
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Chelez appears in the Old Testament as a personal identifier for two distinct men during Israel’s early monarchy. Its meaning, "he has saved," likely reflects a hope for divine protection or deliverance. The word itself is rare, occurring only four times across Scripture, which keeps its usage tightly focused on genealogical records rather than narrative action.
The first Chelez was an Ephraimite and one of King David’s "mighty warriors." He held significant military prestige as the leader of the seventh monthly course of service (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 27:8). This role required organizing and commanding troops for a specific week each month, indicating a man of substantial authority and organizational skill within David’s standing army.
The second Chelez was a man of Judah, identified as the son of Azariah and father of Eleasah (1 Chronicles 2:39-40). While less prominent in the historical narrative than the warrior, his inclusion in the genealogy connects him to the tribal lineage of Judah. The repetition of this rare name in different tribes may suggest a family tradition or simply highlight individuals remembered for their faithful service during the United Monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chelez carries a quiet hope: "he has saved." Though it appears only four times in Scripture, these brief mentions remind us that God values ordinary faithfulness. In ancient Israel, names were not just labels but declarations of trust in God’s protection. When someone bore this name, it reflected a family’s reliance on divine deliverance.
Two men held this name during King David’s reign. One was a military leader organizing troops for monthly service; the other appeared in Judah’s genealogy. Neither performed dramatic miracles recorded in narrative form. Yet their roles mattered—leading soldiers or continuing a lineage. God honors those who serve faithfully in their assigned places, whether in battle or in family records.
For you today, this word invites reflection on your own place in God’s story. You may not lead armies or appear in public records, but your faithful obedience matters to Him. Like Chelez, you can trust that God saves and sustains those who serve Him with integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Helez4×
- and/ Helez1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָ֔לֶץ1×
- חֶ֥לֶץ1×
- חֶ֚לֶץ1×
- חֶ֖לֶץ1×
- וְ/חֶ֖לֶץ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:10
The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This verse highlights Helez’s organizational role as captain of the seventh month, showing how God uses structured service in His kingdom.
-
II Samuel 23:26
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
Here Helez is listed among David’s mighty warriors, connecting his name to military loyalty and courage during Israel’s united monarchy.
-
I Chronicles 11:27
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
This parallel account confirms Helez’s identity as a Pelonite, reinforcing his place in the historical record of David’s loyal followers.