Lexical Summary chach: Palate, roof of the mouth, taste Original Word: חָח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bracelet, chain, hook Once (Ezek. 29:4) chachiy {khakh-ee'}; from the same as chowach; a ring for the nose (or lips) -- bracelet, chain, hook. see HEBREW chowach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as choach Definition hook, ring, fetter NASB Translation brooches (1), hook (2), hooks (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַח noun masculine hook, ring, fetter; — חַח absolute Exodus 35:22; suffix חַחִי Isaiah 37:29; 2 Kings 19:28; plural חַחִים Ezekiel 19:4 2t. + Ezekiel 29:4 Qr (Kt erroneous חחיים, see below); — 1 hook, ring, in nose of captive וְשַׂמְתִּי חַחִי בְּאַמֶּ֑ךָ Isaiah 37:29 = 2 Kings 19:28 (compare בַּחֹחִים2Chronicles 33:11, see חוֺחַ above); so of princes of Judah, under figure of young lions Ezekiel 19:4,9 (in Ezekiel 19:9 transp:, so that בחחים following הביא as Ezekiel 19:4; so Co); in jaws of crocodile (metaphor of Pharaoh), with נתן Ezekiel 29:4, compare Ezekiel 38:4 (but ᵐ5 omits and sense opposes, compare Co and — dubious — Da). 2 hook, ring as ornament, perhaps nose-ring (others brooch, see VB), Exodus 35:22 (P; "" נֶזֶם, טַבַּעַת, כּוּמָז). חוט (of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Overview of Old Testament Usage The term denotes a physical “hook” or “ring” used on living creatures or worn by humans. In its seven appearances the word moves from the domestic sphere of voluntary offerings (Exodus 35:22) to vivid prophetic images of subjugation and judgment (2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 37:29; Ezekiel 19:4, 19:9; 29:4; 38:4). This breadth of usage highlights both the ordinary and the dramatic ways Scripture employs concrete objects to teach spiritual truths. Symbol of Captivity and Control Several passages depict a hostile power leading away a conquered figure by a hook in the nose or jaws. The recurring motif underscores divine sovereignty. Proud rulers imagine themselves unassailable predators, yet God leads them like livestock. The humiliation of a nose-ringed beast dramatizes how swiftly human power collapses under divine judgment. Liturgical Contribution and Voluntary Offering Exodus 35:22 situates the word in an entirely different context. As the Israelites freely supplied materials for the tabernacle, “every man and woman whose heart moved them came, bringing brooches and earrings and rings and necklaces.” The personal ornament that once served as a fashion accessory became an offering of worship. Thus even commonplace items may be sanctified for God’s service when yielded willingly. Prophetic Imagery and Theological Themes 1. Divine Ownership: The hook signifies God’s right to direct nations, mirroring Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, rings in the nose or lip were common for animals and occasionally for prisoners of war. Reliefs from Assyria portray captives tethered by cords attached to a ring through the nose or lips, confirming the brutal practice invoked by the prophets. Such imagery would have resonated immediately with Israelite audiences. Application for Teaching and Ministry • Warn against pride and self-sufficiency. The same God who humbled Pharaoh, Assyria, Babylon, and future Gog still opposes the arrogant today (James 4:6). Christological Reflections Where tyrants were dragged unwillingly, Jesus submitted willingly: “I lay down My life… No one takes it from Me” (John 10:17-18). The One who could command legions chose the path of voluntary suffering, reversing the humiliation of the hook by triumphing through the cross. Summary Across Scripture this modest term ranges from adornment to instrument of subjugation. It calls believers to humility, generosity, and trust in the absolute governance of God, whose hand can both adorn His dwelling with willing gifts and curb the fiercest adversary with a single hook. Forms and Transliterations בַּֽחַחִ֔ים בַֽחַחִ֖ים בחחים חַחִ֖ים חַחִ֜י חַחִים֙ חָ֣ח חח חחי חחים ba·ḥa·ḥîm ḇa·ḥa·ḥîm bachaChim baḥaḥîm ḇaḥaḥîm chach chaChi chaChim ḥa·ḥî ḥa·ḥîm ḥāḥ ḥaḥî ḥaḥîm vachaChimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 35:22 HEB: לֵ֗ב הֵ֠בִיאוּ חָ֣ח וָנֶ֜זֶם וְטַבַּ֤עַת NAS: [and] brought brooches and earrings KJV: [and] brought bracelets, and earrings, INT: hearts brought brooches and earrings and signet 2 Kings 19:28 Isaiah 37:29 Ezekiel 19:4 Ezekiel 19:9 Ezekiel 29:4 Ezekiel 38:4 7 Occurrences |
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, Aramaic 
, חַיֵּט sew).