חַכְלִיל
𐤇𐤊𐤋𐤉𐤋
chaklîyl
H2447 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Describes the eye as dark, sparkling, or lustrous, with coloring that may suggest a reddish or wine-like tint, particularly used in poetic descriptions to evoke vitality, health, or attractiveness. In context, it refers to an eye that is dark and glistening or sparkling, often by comparison with wine.
Semantic Range
dark, sparkling, lustrous, glistening, darkly flashing (of the eye), lively, brilliant (as by wine), reddish (poetically, by association with wine)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root חכל (ḥkl), which is unused in the Hebrew Bible but attested in related Semitic languages with meanings related to being dark, swarthy, or dusky. חַכְלִיל (chaklîyl) is a reduplicated or intensified form, emphasizing a quality of dark brilliance or sparkling color. The precise root is not found in biblical Hebrew outside this adjectival noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַכְלִיל appears twice in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 49:12; Proverbs 23:29), both times in poetic contexts relating to the eyes. The term evokes a vivid, healthful eye appearance, with darkness intensified by lustrous or glistening qualities, often heightened by reference to wine's depth or brilliance. English translations have varied: sometimes using 'darker than wine,' 'darkly flashing,' 'red,' or 'sparkling.' The traditional translation 'red' can be misleading, as the word relates more to depth, brilliance, or luster than simple color. Context suggests a focus on vigorous appearance, possibly referencing the effect of wine or robust health. No later ethnic or religious connotations attach to the word; it is a poetic term of physical description.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
by reduplication from an unused root apparently meaning to be dark; darkly flashing (only of the eyes); in a good sense, brilliant (as stimulated by wine); red.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חכל (ḥ-k-l) — to be dark, to be swarthy, to glisten
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2447-01 |
חַכְלִילִ֥י | chakhelili | HAamsc |
redder | darkly-glistering | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2447-01 |
Genesis 49:12 | חַכְלִילִ֥י | chakhelili | HAamsc |
redder | darkly-glistering |