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חֵלֶב

𐤇𐤋𐤁

Chelev

H2460 noun

SILEX Entry

Root חלב fat, to be fat, to make fat

Definition

(1) The fatty part of an animal, particularly that which covers internal organs and is considered the choicest or richest portion; often refers to the portion reserved in sacrificial rituals. (2) By extension, the best or finest part of something (e.g. 'the fat of the land'). (3) Used as a personal name, Cheleb or Heleb, an individual mentioned among David's mighty men.

Semantic Range

fatty tissue of animals, particularly sacrificial fat; choicest or richest part; prime best portion; proper name (Cheleb/Heleb, an Israelite)

Root / Etymology

From the root ח־ל־ב (חלב), which carries the core meaning 'fat' or 'to be fat.' The noun חֵלֶב specifically denotes the fatty substances of animals, especially those designated for ritual purposes.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In priestly and legal contexts (Leviticus, Deuteronomy), חֵלֶב refers to specific types of animal fat to be burnt on the altar rather than consumed, distinguishing it from שֶׁמֶן (shemen, oil or liquid fat, usually from plants). The legal distinction made in Israelite sacrificial law is significant: only certain fats (חֵלֶב) of domesticated animals were forbidden for consumption, while other animal fats and all plant-based oils were permitted. The extension to mean 'the finest part' appears in poetic and wisdom texts, symbolizing abundance or the best quality. As a personal name, Cheleb (Heleb) is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:29; here, the word functions as a proper noun and should not be confused with the common noun, though the name may be theophoric or signify 'fertility,' 'richness,' or similar characteristics in its original context. Standard English translations often render חֵלֶב simply as 'fat,' which does not capture all ritual and symbolic nuances.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as חֶלֶב; fatness; Cheleb, an Israelite; Heleb.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

חלב (ḥ-l-b) — to be fat, to become fat, to be rich

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2459 חֶלֶב in his fat-portion
H2461 חָלָב in milk
H2462 חֶלְבָּה Chelbah
H2463 חֶלְבּוֹן Richness-town Chelbon
H2464 חֶלְבְּנָה rich galbanum resin

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2460-01 חֵ֥לֶב chelev HNp Heleb fat of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2460-01 2 Samuel 23:29 חֵ֥לֶב chelev HNp Heleb fat of
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