חַלֻּק (chal.luq)
chal.luq
smooth
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective chal.luq describes something that is physically smooth or polished. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in a vivid moment from the life of David (1 Samuel 17:40). Here, it modifies the stones he selects for his sling, highlighting their rounded, slippery nature which makes them ideal for flying through the air.
This single occurrence anchors the word’s meaning in practical utility. The smoothness is not merely aesthetic; it is functional, allowing the stone to glide effortlessly from the pouch. By choosing these specific stones, David prepares for a battle that will define his future, using a simple physical property to overcome a giant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chal.luq describes something smooth, polished, or rounded. In the Old Testament, it appears just once, describing the stones David chose from a brook for his sling. These were not jagged rocks but carefully selected, smooth stones that would fly true and fast.
This detail reminds us that God often uses simple, everyday things to accomplish great purposes. David did not need armor or a sword; he used what was in his hand. The smoothness of the stone made it effective, showing that preparation and trust in God can turn ordinary moments into acts of courage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- smooth [ones] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַלֻּקֵֽי\־1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:40
He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag which he had. His sling was in his hand; and he came near to the Philistine.
This verse uses chal.luq to describe the stones David picked, highlighting how their smoothness made them effective for his sling against Goliath.