Lexical Summary chesheq: Desire, delight, affection Original Word: חֵשֶׁק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance desire, pleasure From chashaq; delight -- desire, pleasure. see HEBREW chashaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chashaq Definition desire NASB Translation all (1), desired* (1), longed (1), pleased* (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֵ֫שֶׁק noun masculine desire = thing desired — construct חֵשֶׁק שְׁלֹמֹה 1 Kings 9:19 2Chronicles 8:6; 1 Kings 9:1; suffix נֶשֶׁף חִשְׁקִי Isaiah 21:4 the twilight of my pleasure . Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Theological Significance The word חֵשֶׁק most often denotes an intense, purposeful desire that binds the heart to its object. It can describe anything from royal ambition to deep personal longing. Unlike fleeting wishes, חֵשֶׁק carries the nuance of attachment; it is desire that bends will, shapes plans, and manifests in concrete action. In Scripture, such desire is portrayed either as a vehicle through which God’s purposes are fulfilled or, in the prophetic context, as an arena where human frailty is exposed. Occurrences in Narrative Context In the historical books, חֵשֶׁק centers on King Solomon’s building agenda: • 1 Kings 9:1 notes that Solomon “had achieved all that he had desired to do.” His חֵשֶׁק encompasses both the temple and the palace, reflecting a king whose personal aspirations aligned—for a season—with God’s covenant purposes. In these passages, desire leads to tangible accomplishment. The narrative invites readers to see disciplined, God-directed חֵשֶׁק as a legitimate means of advancing the kingdom and blessing the nation. Cultic and Royal Applications Solomon’s use of חֵשֶׁק intersects worship and governance. By placing the construction of the temple first (1 Kings 9:1), the text subtly prioritizes spiritual obedience over political expansion. Desire anchored in the worship of the LORD becomes constructive; unchecked, it later contributes to Solomon’s over-extension and eventual decline (1 Kings 11). Thus חֵשֶׁק serves as a moral pivot: the same longing that builds the temple can, if misdirected, foster idolatry. Prophetic Usage Isaiah 21:4 offers a stark contrast: “My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight I longed for has been turned to horror for me.” Here חֵשֶׁק is that twilight of hoped-for relief which evaporates under divine judgment. The prophet’s personal longing collides with the coming fall of Babylon, illustrating how human desire—even righteous yearning for rest—cannot stand when opposed to God’s sovereign timetable. Desire that once promised comfort now intensifies anguish, underscoring the fragility of hope divorced from divine assurance. Pastoral and Ministry Insights 1. Desire must be examined, not suppressed. Scripture does not portray חֵשֶׁק as inherently good or evil; its moral quality rests on its object and motivation. Pastors can guide believers to channel their strongest ambitions toward pursuits that honor Christ. Summary חֵשֶׁק embodies the potent force of desire that moves individuals and nations. Properly oriented, it fuels worship, service, and creative endeavor. Misaligned, it exposes vulnerability and leads to disillusionment. Scripture therefore calls believers to cultivate desires that cling to the LORD, trusting Him to transform longing into lasting fruit for His kingdom. Forms and Transliterations חִשְׁקִ֔י חֵ֣שֶׁק חשק חשקי Cheshek chishKi ḥê·šeq ḥêšeq ḥiš·qî ḥišqîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 9:1 HEB: וְאֵת֙ כָּל־ חֵ֣שֶׁק שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר NAS: and all that Solomon desired to do, KJV: and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased INT: and the king's and all desire Solomon which 1 Kings 9:19 2 Chronicles 8:6 Isaiah 21:4 4 Occurrences |
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