חֵקֶק (che.qeq)
che.qeq
decree
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word cheqeq is a variant spelling of choq, referring to something prescribed or established by authority. It denotes a decree, statute, or ordinance that carries binding force, whether issued by human rulers or divine command. The term emphasizes the fixed nature of the law, marking it as a boundary or limit that must be observed.
In Scripture, this word appears in only two verses: Judges 5:14 and Isaiah 33:22. In the Song of Deborah, it describes the tribal leaders who provided troops, highlighting their role in fulfilling a prescribed duty for the nation. Isaiah uses it to affirm God’s supreme authority as King, contrasting human instability with divine order. The word underscores that true governance rests on established, unchanging standards rather than arbitrary will.
Theological weight lies in its association with justice and order. By linking cheqeq to both royal decrees and God’s statutes, the text affirms that legitimate authority operates within defined boundaries. This concept reinforces the idea that law is not merely power but a framework for righteous living, reflecting divine wisdom in human institutions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Judges 5:14, this word describes the leaders of Issachar who responded to a call for service. It suggests that their courage was not random but part of a defined role within their community. When we face responsibilities in our daily lives, this term reminds us that duty is often a structured path rather than a vague feeling. We are called to step into the specific roles God has placed before us with clarity and purpose.
Isaiah 33:22 connects this concept to God’s identity as King. Unlike human rulers who may change their minds or act arbitrarily, divine authority is rooted in stable, unchanging standards. This offers deep comfort when the world feels chaotic. We can trust that the ultimate governance of history rests on a foundation of justice and order that never shifts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- resolves of1×
- decrees of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חִקְקֵי\־2×