Lexical Summary Cheth: Heth Original Word: חֵת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Heth From chathath; terror; Cheth, an aboriginal Canaanite -- Heth. see HEBREW chathath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a son of Canaan and probably ancestor of the Hittites NASB Translation Heth (14). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֵת proper name, masculine apparently represented as ancestor of the Hittites (etymology and meaning unknown; pronounced as from √ עע֞ in Hebrew & Assyrian, but not Egyptian; see חִתִּי below) — 'begotten' by Canaan Genesis 10:15 (J) = 1 Chronicles 1:13; elsewhere only in combination with בְּנֵי, בְּנוֺת; a. בְּנֵיחֵֿת according to P lived at Mamre (Hebron), and one of them sold Abraham the cave of Machpelah for a sepulchre Genesis 23:3,5,10 (twice in verse); Genesis 23:16,18,20; Genesis 25:10; Genesis 49:32. b. בְּנוֺת(ֿ)חֵת only of wives of Esau Genesis 27:46 (twice in verse) (P; ᵐ5 omits vb; "" בְּנוֺת הָאָרֶץ = בְּנוֺת כְּנָ֑עַן Genesis 28:1). Topical Lexicon Place in the Table of Nations Heth is introduced in Genesis 10:15: “Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of Heth.” 1 Chronicles 1:13 repeats the line. As a grandson of Ham, Heth stands at the head of a clan later labeled “sons of Heth” or “Hittites,” a reminder that every nation shares a common origin and that the Lord has authority over them all. Territorial Presence in Canaan The sons of Heth lived around Hebron centuries before Israel arrived. Their city-gate culture (Genesis 23:10) reveals an organized legal system and civic life. Later Old Testament books broaden “Hittite” to include northern peoples, yet the patriarchal narratives depict an early southern branch dwelling inside the land promised to Abraham. Encounters with the Patriarchs • Abraham’s Purchase (Genesis 23). After Sarah’s death, “Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the sons of Heth” (Genesis 23:7). Respectful negotiations with Ephron secure the cave of Machpelah “in the presence of all the sons of Heth” (Genesis 23:10). The field becomes the first legally owned plot of the promised land, sealing God’s covenant in real estate. Historical Development Extra-biblical texts describe an Anatolian Hittite empire and “Neo-Hittite” city-states. Scripture’s diverse Hittite references (from Hebron to northern Syria) fit this wider picture. The sons of Heth in Genesis represent an early Canaanite branch, while later “Hittites” reflect broader migrations and political growth. Spiritual Themes and Ministry Lessons 1. Faith in Action. Abraham’s costly purchase models tangible trust: he invests in a promise not yet seen (Hebrews 11:8–9). Prophetic and Later Scriptural Echoes Hittites reappear among the nations expelled under Joshua (Joshua 3:10), in Solomon’s trade (1 Kings 10:29), and in David’s day through Uriah the Hittite (2 Samuel 11:3). Every later mention traces back to their ancestor Heth, demonstrating the continuity of biblical history. Archaeological Corroboration Hittite treaties and legal contracts mirror the formalities in Genesis 23—public negotiation, witnesses at the gate, and careful weighing of silver—supporting the narrative’s historical texture. Practical Application • Stand on God’s promises with concrete obedience. Key References Genesis 10:15; Genesis 23:3-20; Genesis 25:10; Genesis 27:46; Genesis 49:32; 1 Chronicles 1:13. Forms and Transliterations חֵ֑ת חֵ֔ת חֵ֖ת חֵ֛ת חֵ֤ת חֵֽת׃ חת חת׃ Chet ḥêṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:15 HEB: בְּכֹר֖וֹ וְאֶת־ חֵֽת׃ NAS: of Sidon, his firstborn, and Heth KJV: Sidon his firstborn, and Heth, INT: of Sidon his firstborn and Heth Genesis 23:3 Genesis 23:5 Genesis 23:7 Genesis 23:10 Genesis 23:10 Genesis 23:16 Genesis 23:18 Genesis 23:20 Genesis 25:10 Genesis 27:46 Genesis 27:46 Genesis 49:32 1 Chronicles 1:13 14 Occurrences |
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