2481. chali

Lexicon

chali: Sickness, disease, illness

Original Word: חֲלִי
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chaliy
Pronunciation: khaw-lee'
Phonetic Spelling: (khal-ee')
Definition: Sickness, disease, illness
Meaning: a trinket

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

jewel, ornament

From chalah; a trinket (as polished) -- jewel, ornament.

see HEBREW chalah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
an ornament
NASB Translation
jewels (1), ornament (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

I. חֲלִי noun masculine ornament, נֶזֶם זָחָב וַחֲלִיכָּֿ֑תֶם Proverbs 25:12 a (nose-or-ear-) ring of gold and (neck-or breast-) ornament of fine gold; plural חֲלָאִים Cant 7:2, in simile of grace and beauty.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root חָלָה (chalah), which generally means to be weak, sick, or afflicted. The term חֲלִי (chali) is a noun form that has evolved to denote an object of adornment.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3119 (μαργαρίτης, margarites): Refers to a pearl, often used metaphorically in the New Testament to denote something of great value or beauty.
• G3554 (νοσέω, noseo): While not directly related to trinkets, this term means to be sick or to ail, sharing a conceptual link with the root חָלָה (chalah) from which חֲלִי is derived.

In summary, חֲלִי (chali) in the Hebrew Bible denotes trinkets or ornaments, reflecting the cultural practices of adornment in ancient Israel. These items are often mentioned in contexts that critique materialism or idolatry, serving as a reminder of the biblical emphasis on inner spiritual beauty over external appearances.

Usage: The term חֲלִי is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe items of personal adornment, often associated with women. These trinkets are typically mentioned in contexts that highlight wealth, beauty, or idolatry.

Context: • The term חֲלִי appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts that emphasize the cultural and social significance of personal adornment in ancient Israelite society. Trinkets, or חֲלִים, were often made of precious metals and stones, serving as symbols of status and beauty. They could also be associated with idolatrous practices, as seen in passages where such items are condemned or destroyed as part of religious reforms.
• In Isaiah 3:18-23, the prophet Isaiah lists various adornments, including חֲלִים, as part of a critique of the vanity and pride of the daughters of Zion. This passage underscores the transient nature of physical beauty and the judgment that comes upon those who prioritize outward appearance over spiritual integrity.
• The use of חֲלִי in the biblical text reflects the broader ancient Near Eastern cultural practices where jewelry and ornaments were integral to social identity and religious expression. These items were often passed down as heirlooms, given as gifts, or used in trade.

Forms and Transliterations

וַחֲלִי־ וחלי־ חֲלָאִ֔ים חלאים chalaIm ḥă·lā·’îm ḥălā’îm vachali wa·ḥă·lî- waḥălî-

Englishman's Concordance

Proverbs 25:12
HEB: נֶ֣זֶם זָ֭הָב וַחֲלִי־ כָ֑תֶם מוֹכִ֥יחַ
NAS: of gold and an ornament of fine gold
KJV: of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
INT: an earring of gold and an ornament of fine reprover

Songs 7:1
HEB: יְרֵכַ֔יִךְ כְּמ֣וֹ חֲלָאִ֔ים מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יְדֵ֥י
NAS: are like jewels, The work
KJV: of thy thighs [are] like jewels, the work
INT: of your hips are like jewels the work of the hands

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2481
2 Occurrences

ḥă·lā·’îm — 1 Occ.
wa·ḥă·lî- — 1 Occ.