Lexical Summary charats: hip Original Word: חֲרַץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance loin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to charats in the sense of vigor; the loin (as the seat of strength) -- loin. see HEBREW charats NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to charats Definition loin NASB Translation hip (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence חֲרַץ appears only once, in Daniel 5:6, within the dramatic scene of Belshazzar’s banquet when the hand writes on the wall. The Berean Standard Bible renders the phrase, “the joints of his hips gave way,” capturing the sudden collapse of the king’s physical composure. Narrative Setting in Daniel Belshazzar’s feast (Daniel 5:1-31) is the last celebration of Babylon’s dynasty before the Medo-Persian conquest. Confident in his power, the king desecrates vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 5:2-4). When the mysterious hand appears, his pride evaporates; חֲרַץ marks the instant his bodily strength fails. That singular term helps the reader visualize the absolute terror God’s revelation provokes—and foreshadows the swift downfall announced moments later. Symbolism of the Loins and Hips Throughout Scripture the loins represent physical strength, procreative capacity, and readiness for action. Warriors “gird their loins” for battle (2 Samuel 20:8); prophets must “gird up” before delivering God’s word (Jeremiah 1:17); believers are urged, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind” (1 Peter 1:13). When חֲרַץ gives way, the opposite picture emerges: strength collapses, resolve dissolves, and the proud are exposed as helpless before the Almighty. Daniel 5 thus embodies Psalm 147:10-11, where the Lord “does not delight in the strength of the horse… but in those who fear Him.” Parallels in Biblical Imagery • Isaiah 21:3—“Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me.” Each text echoes the physical response of mortals confronted by divine judgment. Though the exact term differs, the motif reinforces the lesson of חֲרַץ: human power buckles in God’s presence. Historical Perspective Ancient Near-Eastern literature often depicts defeated kings losing bodily control, a potent symbol of humiliation. Daniel’s Aramaic narrative employs the same cultural language, rooting the event in real history while underscoring that the Lord, not Babylon’s gods, directs world affairs (Isaiah 46:9-10). Theological Themes 1. Sovereign Judgment: The loosened hips precede the verdict “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin,” illustrating that judgment begins the moment God speaks. Ministry Application • Preaching: חֲרַץ offers a vivid sermon image—when God confronts sin, “the joints… give way.” It warns congregations against presuming upon divine patience. Christological and Eschatological Glimpses Daniel’s scene anticipates the final appearing of Christ, when “every knee will bow” (Philippians 2:10). Belshazzar’s trembling previewed the universal surrender that will accompany the King of kings’ return (Revelation 1:17). Homiletical Reflection חֲרַץ may seem an obscure term, yet its single occurrence powerfully illustrates Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” The banquet hall, filled with laughter one moment, becomes a courtroom the next. Wherever Scripture invites us to “gird up” in faith, חֲרַץ warns what happens when hearts remain unprepared. Forms and Transliterations חַרְצֵהּ֙ חרצה charTzeh ḥar·ṣêh ḥarṣêhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:6 HEB: יְבַהֲלוּנֵּ֑הּ וְקִטְרֵ֤י חַרְצֵהּ֙ מִשְׁתָּרַ֔יִן וְאַ֨רְכֻבָּתֵ֔הּ NAS: alarmed him, and his hip joints KJV: him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, INT: alarmed joints and his hip went and his knees 1 Occurrence |
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