H2428 חַיִל Chayil → Root

4 languages

Root of the חיל family (6 members).

The primary lexical meaning of חַיִל (chayil) is 'strength' or 'capacity,' often manifested in contexts of military power, competence, or material resources. It denotes the quality or state of being strong, effective, or capable, whether in physical, social, or economic domains. In specific contexts, it can refer to military forces (army, host), personal valor or heroism, moral worthiness, or material wealth and substance.

Etymology From the Hebrew root חָיַל (ח-י-ל), which carries the core idea of strength, capability, or power. The noun חַיִל develops from the verbal root meaning 'to be strong' or 'to have power,' but in its nominal form it can denote both the abstract quality of strength and its concrete manifestations such as force (military), means (wealth), and personal valor. Some etymological connections have been suggested to other Semitic roots with the sense of 'writhing' or 'dancing in strength,' but in Biblical Hebrew the association is primarily with strength and capability.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Chokwe kayila strength, ability -kayila-
Kimbundu kayila strength, power -kayila-
Lunda kayila strength, power, ability yila
Umbundu kayila strength, power -kayila-

Family members (5)

Lexemes that inherit from this canonical via the SilexRoot family or an additional inheritance edge. Tags show the cognate-propagation status.

  • H2429 חַיִל chayil unset

    The word refers primarily to strength, might, or capability, with extended senses including military force or an army, w

  • H2430 חֵילָה chêylâh unset

    A fortification or defensive structure, typically referring to an earthwork, rampart, or stronghold. In biblical context

  • H2431 חֵילָם Cheylam unset

    A toponym referring to a locality, likely a fortified settlement, named 'Chelam' (Chêylâm), mentioned in 2 Samuel 10:16-

  • H2432 חִילֵן Chilen unset

    Proper noun denoting the name of a town located in the hill country of Judah. The primary lexical meaning is the settlem

  • H2497 חֵלֹן Chelon unset

    Proper name: Chelon, an Israelite individual, specifically the father of Eliab from the tribe of Zebulun. Used only as a

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