חָלַט
𐤇𐤋𐤈
châlaṭ
H2480 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To seize or snatch, typically in a sudden or forceful manner. In biblical usage, refers especially to the act of laying hold of something quickly, often with the implication of claiming or taking for oneself; may include the sense of stripping or pulling away (e.g., clothing, possessions) from another.
Semantic Range
to seize forcibly, to snatch, to strip (particularly of clothing/possessions), to lay claim through sudden taking
Root / Etymology
From the root חלט, meaning to snatch or seize. Limited to rare occurrences in biblical Hebrew, but shares conceptual similarity with other roots involving forcible or sudden taking (cf. חטף). The root is not widely attested outside biblical context.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חָלַט appears only once within the Hebrew Bible (Habakkuk 2:6), where its meaning centers on the rapacious taking or claim of possessions. The context of this single occurrence is critical: the term is used in the midst of a 'woe' oracle directed at one who amasses wealth by unjust means, emphasizing the oppressiveness and suddenness of the seizure. This root seems to have a more intense nuance than synonyms such as לָקַח (laqach, 'to take'), highlighting the force, aggressiveness, or greed of the action. Later Jewish tradition did not expand the root’s semantic range, and it remains rare in post-biblical literature. English translations often render it with verbs like 'laden himself with pledges,' 'loads up,' or 'collects,' but such renderings can obscure the vividness of the seizing action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to snatch at; catch.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חלט (ḥ-l-ṭ) — to snatch, to seize, to strip away
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2480-01 |
וַ/יַּחְלְט֣וּ | vayacheletu | HC/Vhw3mp |
and-caught | and they stripped away | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2480-01 |
1 Kings 20:33 | וַ/יַּחְלְט֣וּ | vayacheletu | HC/Vhw3mp |
and-caught | and they stripped away |