חֹ֫פֶן (cho.phen)
cho.phen
palm
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun cho.phen refers to the hollow of a hand or what it can hold, essentially meaning a handful. It describes a specific capacity for holding rather than a general grasp, emphasizing the shape and volume created by cupped fingers. This concrete image appears in contexts involving measurement or offering, grounding abstract concepts in physical reality.
In Scripture, this term highlights the act of gathering or presenting something small yet significant. For instance, it describes the handful of grain offered as a memorial portion in Leviticus 2:2, where a priest takes a token amount from the meal offering to burn on the altar. Similarly, Exodus 16:16 uses it to instruct Israelites to gather an omer per person, ensuring each household collects exactly what they can hold in their hands.
The word’s focus on the hand’s cavity underscores themes of provision and portioning. It suggests that blessings or duties are often measured not by vast abundance but by what one can personally receive or manage. This imagery reinforces the idea of individual responsibility and divine sufficiency within everyday limits.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word cho.phen describes the hollow of a hand, or what fits in a cupped palm. It is not about grasping tightly, but holding gently. This small measure appears in Scripture when God asks for an offering or provides manna. It reminds us that we do not need to hold everything at once.
When you feel overwhelmed by the size of your tasks or worries, remember this image. God knows what fits in your hand. He does not expect you to carry the whole world. Your faithful presence in the small moments is enough for Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- two hands1×
- in/ hands/ his1×
- hands/ your1×
- hands/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָפְנָ֔י/ו1×
- חָפְנַ֛יִם1×
- חָפְנֵי/כֶ֔ם1×
- בְּ/חָפְנָ֡י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.
Solomon contrasts a quiet handful with anxious labor, suggesting that peace in receiving what we have is better than restless striving for more.