חֶלְקִי (chel.qi)
chel.qi
Helekite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The word chelqi functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying members of the clan descended from Helek within the tribe of Manasseh. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Numbers 26:30, where it serves to list the families of Israel during the census taken in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.
Etymologically, the term derives from the name Helek (chелеq), which some sources associate with the root meaning "flattering" or "part." In this context, however, it operates strictly as a tribal identifier rather than a descriptive character trait. The text groups these individuals alongside their brothers Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, and Hepher, all sons of Gilead.
Because the occurrence is singular and genealogical, the word carries no independent theological weight or narrative action. Its significance lies in its preservation of tribal lineage, marking a specific branch of Manasseh that remained distinct within the broader census records of the wilderness generation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Helekite appears in Numbers 26:30 as part of a census list. It identifies a specific clan within the tribe of Manasseh, descended from Helek, son of Gilead. This record preserves the identity of families who waited in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God knows each person by name and lineage. Even in large lists, no one is forgotten. Your place in God’s family is secure, just as these clans were recorded with care.
This word shows how God values order and identity. It encourages you to trust that He has a specific place for you in His story, written down with purpose and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Helekite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/חֶלְקִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:30
These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites;
This verse lists the Helekites as one of the families of Gilead, preserving their tribal identity in the wilderness census.