Lexical Summary chathal: To entwine, to wrap, to enclose Original Word: חָתַל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance swaddle A primitive root; to swathe -- X at all, swaddle. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition perhaps entwine, enwrap NASB Translation wrapped in cloths (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חָתַל] verb perhaps entwine, enwrap (possibly denominative, so MV and others; yet compare Late Hebrew חוֺתָל woven date-basket) — Pu`al Perfect2feminine singular חֻתַּלְתְּ and Hoph`al Infinitive absolute הָחְתֵּל be swathed, swaddled; — וְהָמְלֵחַ לֹא הֻמְלַ֫חַתְּ וְהָחְתֵּל לֹא חֻתַּלְתְּ Ezekiel 16:4 and not at all wast thou rubbed with salt, and not at all wast thou swaddled, of Jerusalem under figure of infant. Topical Lexicon Concept and ImageryThe verb חָתַל depicts wrapping a newborn in protective cloths, an act of tenderness that signals welcome, warmth, and deliberate care. Biblical Occurrences Both occurrences are found in Ezekiel 16:4, where Jerusalem is likened to an abandoned infant: “On the day you were born, your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths” (Ezekiel 16:4). The doubled use stresses total neglect—swaddling, a basic gesture of parental love, was withheld. Cultural Background of Swaddling Ancient Near-Eastern midwives washed the child, rubbed the skin with salt or oil, and then wound narrow linen bands around the torso and limbs. This preserved heat, aided limb formation, and publicly affirmed the infant’s acceptance into family life. To omit swaddling broadcast rejection and exposed the newborn to danger. Theological Insights 1. Divine Compassion in Contrast The lack of swaddling heightens God’s later intervention (Ezekiel 16:6-14). What humans failed to supply, the Lord freely bestows, displaying grace toward the helpless. 2. Humbling Reminder of Origins Israel’s later prosperity (Ezekiel 16:10-14) stands against her destitute beginning. The un-swaddled image strips away self-exaltation and underscores that every covenant blessing is undeserved. 3. Cleansing and Holiness Swaddling normally followed washing; its absence hints at uncleanness. Spiritually, humanity is exposed and impure until God washes and clothes in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Connections to the Gospel Narrative Luke records that Mary “wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:7). The Messiah, lovingly swaddled, would later provide garments of salvation for those spiritually naked (Revelation 7:14). Ezekiel’s un-swaddled infant thus foreshadows the One who rectifies all abandonment by His redemptive care. Pastoral and Devotional Applications • Assurance of God’s initiative—He seeks the forsaken and clothes them with grace (Romans 5:6-8). Summary Though appearing only in Ezekiel 16:4, חָתַל opens a window into God’s heart: where human hands left a child un-swaddled, divine hands reached down, cleansed, clothed, and cherished. The word’s imagery challenges every generation to rest in that rescuing love and extend it to others. Forms and Transliterations וְהָחְתֵּ֖ל והחתל חֻתָּֽלְתְּ׃ חתלת׃ chutTalet ḥut·tā·lət ḥuttālət vehacheTel wə·hā·ḥə·têl wəhāḥətêlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 16:4 HEB: לֹ֣א הֻמְלַ֔חַתְּ וְהָחְתֵּ֖ל לֹ֥א חֻתָּֽלְתְּ׃ NAS: with salt or even wrapped in cloths. KJV: at all, nor swaddled at all. INT: nor salt wrapped nor cloths Ezekiel 16:4 2 Occurrences |
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