חַלָּשׁ
𐤇𐤋𐤔
challâsh
H2523 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
adjective describing someone or something as physically or materially weak, lacking strength, feeble, or powerless, often in contrast to those possessing capability, health, or authority. Used both literally (of persons or physical states) and metaphorically (of positions, power, or spiritual condition).
Semantic Range
physically weak, feeble, lacking strength; powerless, low in status; ineffective; sickly
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root ח-ל-ש (חלש), which conveys the idea of being weak, lacking strength, or being in a state of enfeeblement. The form חַלָּשׁ is the adjective derived from this verbal root, emphasizing the state or quality of weakness.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַלָּשׁ appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, notably in poetic contexts or to contrast with strength (e.g., with גִּבּוֹר 'strong'). In earlier Israelite texts, the word typically refers to actual physical frailty or weakness in battle, but by the late biblical period, it can appear metaphorically (e.g., describing nations, armies, or moral/spiritual condition). Translators often render it as 'weak' or 'feeble,' but context may nuance its meaning toward social status (powerless, lowly) or physical condition. The root ח-ל-ש rarely appears outside biblical Hebrew, contrasting with the much more common root חזק ('to be strong'). In postbiblical Hebrew, related forms are sometimes used to indicate illness or loss of strength, but חַלָּשׁ itself is predominantly biblical and poetic. English translations such as 'frail' or 'weak' generally capture the sense, but may miss subtle contrasts—such as weakness of will, position, or capability—in context. Later translations sometimes associate such weakness with 'the poor' or 'oppressed,' but the Hebrew term itself is more neutral regarding the cause or type of weakness. Not to be confused with linguistic or historical terms describing a religious group. No direct connection with terms for Israelite, Judahite, or identity groups.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from חָלַשׁ; frail; weak.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חלש (ḥ-l-sh) — to be weak, to become weak, to lose strength
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2523-01 |
הַֽ/חַלָּ֔שׁ | hachalash | HTd/Aamsa |
the weak | the weak one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2523-01 |
Joel 4:10 | הַֽ/חַלָּ֔שׁ | hachalash | HTd/Aamsa |
the weak | the weak one |