חׇפְשִׁית (choph.shut)
choph.shut
freedom
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun chophshut denotes a state of freedom or separateness in the Hebrew Bible. It appears only twice, both in historical accounts of royal decrees: II Kings 16:8 and II Chronicles 24:7. In these contexts, it describes the release of resources or people from a restricted status.
Its root suggests being set apart or loose, contrasting with bondage or confinement. The word emphasizes the condition of liberty itself rather than the act of freeing someone. Translators typically render it as "freedom" or "liberty," capturing the sense of being unbound from obligation or captivity.
This rare term highlights a specific theological and political reality in ancient Judah: the power of kings to alter the status of temple assets or citizens. Its scarcity underscores how significant such acts of liberation were when they occurred, marking pivotal moments in the nation’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chophshut points to a state of freedom or separateness. It appears in the Bible during moments when royal decrees changed the status of people or temple resources, releasing them from restriction. This rare term highlights that liberty is not just an abstract idea but a concrete reality that affects how we live and serve.
When we encounter this word, it reminds us that God values freedom. Whether in ancient Judah or today, being set apart for a purpose brings dignity. We can trust that God’s plans often involve lifting burdens and granting space to grow, reflecting His desire for our well-being.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ separateness2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/חָפְשִׁית֙1×
- הַ/חָפְשִׁ֑ית1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 15:5
Yahweh struck the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house. Jotham, the king’s son, was over the household, judging the people of the land.
This verse uses the concept of separateness to describe Uzziah’s leprosy, showing how chophshut can denote a forced isolation rather than joyful liberty.
-
II Chronicles 26:21
Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house, being a leper; for he was cut off from Yahweh’s house. Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.
Here the same idea appears in parallel with II Kings, emphasizing the physical and spiritual separation imposed on the king due to his disobedience.