חֶלְקָת֙ (chel.qat)
chel.qat
Helkath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Chelkath, meaning "smooth," refers to a specific town in the territory of Asher. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, serving as a key geographical marker in the description of tribal boundaries and land distribution.
In Joshua 19:33, it is identified as the starting point for the border of the tribe of Asher. The same location is listed in Joshua 21:31 among the cities given to the Gershonite Levites, where it is also known by the name Chukok. This dual naming highlights its role as a settled community with defined religious and territorial significance.
The name’s meaning may reflect the physical character of the land or simply serve as a distinctive identifier for this particular inheritance. Its brief mention underscores the careful division of the Promised Land among Israel’s tribes and the Levites.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Helkath is a proper noun that means "smooth." It refers to a specific town in the territory of Asher. This place appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible. It serves as a key geographical marker in the description of tribal boundaries and land distribution.
In Joshua 19:25, Helkath marks the border of the tribe of Asher. Later, in Joshua 21:31, it is listed among the cities given to the Gershonite Levites. This dual role shows its importance as a settled community with both territorial and religious significance.
The name reflects the physical character of the land or serves as a distinctive identifier for this inheritance. Its brief mention underscores the careful division of the Promised Land among Israel’s tribes and the Levites. This detail reminds us that God pays attention to every part of His people's home.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Helkath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶלְקָת֙1×
- חֶלְקַ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:25
Their border was Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph,
This verse establishes Helkath as a boundary marker for the tribe of Asher, highlighting its role in defining tribal territory.
-
Joshua 21:31
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands: four cities.
Here, Helkath is assigned to the Gershonite Levites, showing its dual significance as both a territorial and religious center.