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חָח

𐤇𐤇

châch

H2397 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A curved implement, most commonly a hook or ring, typically made of metal and used for fastening, drawing, or controlling, especially inserted through the nose or lips of an animal (such as a fish or large beast, e.g., crocodile or hippopotamus) to facilitate capture, restraint, or leading; by extension, a nose ring as ornament, though primarily denotes an instrument of control rather than adornment. The semantic range includes objects serving a hooking, clasping, or restraining function.

Semantic Range

hook, ring (especially for animal nose or jaw), device for restraint or leading, symbolic tool of subjugation; less commonly, ornamented nose ring

Root / Etymology

Root: חוח (ḥ-w-ḥ), with the core meaning of 'thorn, prick' (something pointed or pricking). חָח (ḥāḥ) is derived from this root by analogy or semantic extension, referring to something hooked, curved, or pointed, i.e., a hook or ring. The actual lexical meaning narrows to an object shaped for hooking or securing, especially for animals' noses or jaws.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, חָח appears rarely and primarily with reference to implements inserted into the nose or jaw of animals (Ezekiel 29:4; 38:4; 2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 37:29) to control and lead them, typically large, powerful beasts symbolizing political enemies or symbols of subjugation. The translation 'ring' captures one sense, but the primary usage is as a tool for controlling, gaining its force as a symbol for humiliating subjugation. It is occasionally extended to mean a nose ring as ornament, but the biblical references most often indicate an implement for restraint. Related terms include חוֹחַ (ḥôaḥ, 'thorn'), indicating the shared notion of something pointed or protruding. Later translation traditions (e.g., KJV) sometimes use 'hook', 'bracelet', or 'chain', but the Hebrew context points primarily to an instrument of restraint rather than jewelry. Usage remains largely consistent from the monarchic to post-exilic periods, appearing mainly in prophetic texts as a graphic metaphor for domination or defeat.

Translation Consistency

primary "hook" 6 occurrences

Most occurrences and the primary semantic sense point to a curved implement for fastening or restraining (including nose-hooks/nose-rings used to lead animals). "Hook" is short, natural, and covers the typical uses (hook, hook-ring, device for restraint) better than the narrower "ring" or ornamental terms.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"brooch" (1x) "hook-rings" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

once (Ezekiel 29:4) חָחִי; from the same as חוֹחַ; a ring for the nose (or lips); bracelet, chain, hook.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חוח (ḥ-w-ḥ) — to prick, to pierce, to hook

Root חוח to prick, to pierce, to hook
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2336 חוֹחַ thorn-bushes
H2337 חָוָח and in the thorny hollows

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H2397-03 חַחִ֜/י chachi HNcmsc/Sp1cs My hook my nose-hook my hook 2
H2397-04 חַחִים֙ chachim HNcmpa hooks piercing hooks piercing hooks 2
H2397-06 בַֽ/חַחִ֖ים vachachim HRd/Ncmpa with hooks hook-rings hook-rings 1
H2397-01 בַּֽ/חַחִ֔ים bachachim HRd/Ncmpa with hooks restraining hooks with hooks 1
H2397-05 חחיים chchyym HNcmpa hooks restraining hooks restraining hooks 1
H2397-02 חָ֣ח chach HNcmsa brooches nose-hook brooch 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H2397-02 Exodus 35:22 חָ֣ח chach HNcmsa brooches nose-hook brooch
H2397-03 2 Kings 19:28 חַחִ֜/י chachi HNcmsc/Sp1cs My hook my nose-hook my hook
H2397-03 Isaiah 37:29 חַחִ֜/י chachi HNcmsc/Sp1cs My hook my nose-hook my hook
H2397-06 Ezekiel 19:4 בַֽ/חַחִ֖ים vachachim HRd/Ncmpa with hooks hook-rings hook-rings
H2397-01 Ezekiel 19:9 בַּֽ/חַחִ֔ים bachachim HRd/Ncmpa with hooks restraining hooks with hooks
H2397-05 Ezekiel 29:4 חחיים chchyym HNcmpa hooks restraining hooks restraining hooks
H2397-04 Ezekiel 29:4 חַחִים֙ chachim HNcmpa hooks piercing hooks piercing hooks
H2397-04 Ezekiel 38:4 חַחִ֖ים chachim HNcmpa hooks piercing hooks piercing hooks
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