הַלּוֹחֵשׁ (lo.chesh)
lo.chesh
Hallohesh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hallôhesh, meaning "whisperer," appears in the Book of Nehemiah as a personal identifier for a Jewish leader during the post-exilic period. It is first recorded in Nehemiah 3:12, where he is described as rebuilding a section of Jerusalem’s wall under the supervision of his father. This brief mention places him among the many citizens who contributed to restoring the city’s physical defenses after the Babylonian exile.
Later in the same book, Hallôhesh emerges as a significant spiritual figure. He is identified as the father of Shallum, one of the chiefs of the people who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:2). This connection suggests that while his name might imply quiet speech or secrecy, his family played a prominent public role in reaffirming their commitment to God’s law. The contrast between the meaning of his name and his family's visible leadership offers a subtle glimpse into the diverse roles within the restored community.
As a proper noun, Hallôhesh serves as a historical marker for the returnees who rebuilt Jerusalem. Its single occurrence in this specific context highlights the individual contributions of lesser-known figures whose actions supported the broader narrative of restoration. The name itself, derived from the root for whispering, remains a unique linguistic artifact within the Hebrew Bible, preserved only through these genealogical and civic records.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hallôhesh means "whisperer," yet this quiet identity appears in one of the most public acts of restoration in Scripture. In Nehemiah 3:12, Shallum the son of Hallohesh leads a team to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. This detail reminds us that God uses ordinary people with simple names to accomplish great things. You do not need a loud voice or prominent title to serve faithfully.
Later, this family is listed among those who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:2). Their shift from building walls to binding themselves to God’s law shows that true restoration involves both action and commitment. Your quiet efforts, whether in service or prayer, are seen and valued by God. He gathers the whispers of many faithful hearts into a strong community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hallohesh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַלּוֹחֵ֔שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 3:12
Next to him, Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters made repairs.
This verse identifies Shallum as the son of Hallohesh, linking the name to a specific leadership role in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall.