Lexical Summary chalaqqah: Smoothness, flattery Original Word: חֲלַקָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance flattery Feminine from chalaq; flattery -- flattery. see HEBREW chalaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chalaq Definition smoothness, flattery NASB Translation smooth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲלַקָּה] noun feminine smoothness, flattery, only plural absolute: fine promises, יַחֲנִיף בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֺת Daniel 11:32 (perhaps directly from חָלָק, exceptional plural, compare גְּמַלִּים, קְטַנָּה, קְטַנִּים, קְטַנּוֺת). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence חֲלַקָּה appears once, in Daniel 11:32, describing the persuasive tactics of the end-times oppressor: “With flattery he will corrupt those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.” Historical Context Daniel 11 presents a prophetic panorama of political intrigue culminating in a final tyrant who opposes God’s covenant people. Flattery in ancient Near Eastern courts functioned as a diplomatic tool, masking ambition beneath smooth words. The verse depicts covenant-breakers seduced by such speech, contrasting them with saints strengthened through experiential knowledge of God. Theological Themes 1. Moral Vulnerability: Flattery succeeds where covenant loyalty has already weakened. Scripture consistently links deceptive speech with a heart turned from truth (Psalm 12:2). Comparative Vocabulary Though חֲלַקָּה is unique to Daniel 11:32, related terms emphasize the peril of flattering lips (Proverbs 29:5; Psalm 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:5). Collectively they reveal a biblical pattern: flattering speech serves selfish ends, ensnaring the naïve and opposing the purposes of God. Practical Ministry Applications • Discernment Training: Leaders must equip congregations to recognize persuasive yet ungodly narratives—whether cultural, political, or religious. Connections to the New Testament Jesus foretells deception marked by eloquent impostors (Matthew 24:24). Paul warns of a “smooth talk and flattery” that deceives the hearts of the naïve (Romans 16:18). These parallels confirm Daniel’s prophecy and underscore the continuity of Scripture’s warning. Warnings and Encouragement Scripture condemns flattery not merely as dishonest speech but as a conduit for rebellion against God. Yet Daniel 11:32 offers hope: intimate knowledge of God empowers believers to “take action” and stand firm. The remedy for flattery’s lure is a deep, covenantal relationship with the Lord who “desires truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6). Forms and Transliterations בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֹת בחלקות ba·ḥă·laq·qō·wṯ bachalakKot baḥălaqqōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 11:32 HEB: בְרִ֔ית יַחֲנִ֖יף בַּחֲלַקּ֑וֹת וְעַ֛ם יֹדְעֵ֥י NAS: By smooth [words] he will turn to godlessness KJV: shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people INT: the covenant will turn smooth the people know 1 Occurrence |
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