חֹק (choq)
choq
statute: decree
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 112 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun choq refers to something established or prescribed, carrying the sense of a fixed limit or boundary. Its root implies carving or engraving, suggesting that what is designated is permanent and unchangeable. In Scripture, this word spans physical boundaries, such as the limits set for the sea in Job 26:10, to social obligations like the portion of food assigned in Proverbs 31:15.
Most frequently, choq denotes a divine statute or ordinance given by God. It appears prominently in Leviticus and Deuteronomy when describing the laws Israel must follow, as seen in Exodus 12:24 where it is called an ordinance forever. The term also captures the regular duties of priests, such as their due portion from offerings in Leviticus 10:13, highlighting a sense of rightful entitlement established by authority.
Unlike other words for law that emphasize moral reasoning, choq often highlights the authoritative source of the command rather than its content. It represents a decree that stands because it has been inscribed by God. This usage underscores the stability of divine order, whether referring to the cycles of nature or the specific rituals of worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word choq carries the image of something carved or engraved, marking a fixed boundary or permanent decree. In Scripture, it often refers to God’s statutes—laws that stand firm because they originate from His authority rather than human reasoning. This permanence offers stability; when life feels chaotic, these divine orders remind us that God’s design is reliable and enduring.
For your daily walk, this concept invites trust in a structured world. Whether it involves the rhythms of worship or the boundaries of ethical living, choq points to a Creator who sets limits for our protection and flourishing. It is not merely a rule to follow, but a gift of order that reflects His care.
Consider how Jesus upheld the law while fulfilling its deeper intent. The statutes given to Israel were meant to guide them toward righteousness and community harmony. Similarly, we can find peace in knowing that God’s commands are rooted in wisdom, offering a path that leads to life rather than restriction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 112 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ statutes15×
- decrees/ your15×
- to/ a prescribed portion of6×
- a decree6×
- and/ statutes/ his5×
- statutes/ his4×
- statutes4×
- and/ the/ statutes4×
- decrees/ his3×
- to/ a statute2×
- to/ a decree2×
- statutes/ my2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/חָק\־7×
- חֻקֶּֽי/ךָ\׃7×
- חֹ֥ק4×
- חָק\־4×
- חֻקֶּ֥י/ךָ3×
- חֻקֶּ֗י/ךָ3×
- הַֽ/חֻקִּים֙3×
- הַ/חֻקִּ֥ים3×
- הַ/חֻקִּ֣ים3×
- חֻקָּ֥י/ו2×
- חֻקִּ֥ים2×
- חֻקִּ֑/י2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:25
Then he cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed him a tree, and he threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There he made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he tested them.
This verse shows choq being established at Marah as a direct response to testing, linking divine statute with God’s provision and healing.
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Leviticus 10:11
You are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Yahweh has spoken to them by Moses.”
Here Moses instructs the people to teach all the statutes, emphasizing that choq requires active transmission and understanding within the community.
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Deuteronomy 4:6
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
The statutes are presented as Israel’s wisdom and understanding before other nations, highlighting their role in public testimony rather than private piety.