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H2506 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֵלֶק
Cheleq
Noun, masculine
Portion, share, inheritance

Definition

The Hebrew noun cheleq means a portion, share, lot, or inheritance. It can refer to a physical allotment of land, one's share in a distribution of goods, or — most profoundly — the "portion" one has in God Himself. The word is used extensively in Joshua for the tribal land allotments, and powerfully in the Psalms for the believer's eternal inheritance.

Usage & Theological Significance

The most theologically significant use of cheleq is in Psalm 73:26 and similar texts: "God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." When the psalmist nearly stumbled at the prosperity of the wicked, his anchor was this truth: God Himself is my portion. This echoes the Levitical principle — the Levites received no land inheritance because "the LORD is their inheritance" (Numbers 18:20). The concept of God as one's cheleq transforms earthly lack into spiritual abundance.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Numbers 18:20 And the LORD said to Aaron, 'You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion.'
Psalm 16:5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
Lamentations 3:24 'The LORD is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'
Joshua 19:9 The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah.

Related Words

External Resources

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