חֲלֻקָּה
a distribution
Definition
The Hebrew noun חֲלֻקָּה (chăluqqâh) refers to a distribution, division, or allocation of something, typically in an organized or systematic manner. It specifically denotes the act of apportioning items among a group. In its sole biblical occurrence in 2 Chronicles 35:5, it describes the distribution of sacrificial animals to the people for the Passover celebration. The word carries a sense of orderly arrangement for a communal religious purpose, rather than a random or arbitrary division.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 35:5. It appears in the context of King Josiah's great Passover, where he commands the priests and Levites to 'stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the fathers' houses of your brethren the lay people, and according to the division (חֲלֻקָּה) of a father's house of the Levites.' Here, it specifically refers to the organized allocation of sacrificial animals (lambs and young goats) from the king's possessions to the families of the people, facilitating the proper observance of the feast.
Etymology
חֲלֻקָּה is the feminine noun form derived from the root חָלַק (ḥālaq, H2505), which means 'to divide, share, or apportion.' It is directly related to the masculine noun חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, H2506), meaning 'portion, share, or territory.' The feminine form חֲלֻקָּה emphasizes the act or process of dividing or distributing, as seen in its single biblical use. Cognates appear in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of dividing or smoothing.
Semantic Range
While a single-occurrence noun, חֲלֻקָּה holds theological significance in illustrating God's provision and order within worship. In 2 Chronicles 35:5, the 'distribution' is not a mundane administrative act but a divinely orchestrated means of enabling all people—king, priests, Levites, and lay Israelites—to participate fully in the Passover. This reflects God's desire for his gifts (here, sacrificial animals) to be shared equitably among his people to facilitate corporate obedience and celebration. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches our view of worship as something God organizes and supplies, ensuring every participant has what they need.
In ancient Israelite culture, large religious festivals like Passover required significant logistical planning, especially the provision of animals for sacrifice. Many worshippers, particularly the poor, might not have been able to afford their own sacrificial lamb. A royal 'distribution' (חֲלֻקָּה) from the king's flocks, as described in 2 Chronicles 35:5, was a generous act that ensured universal participation in the covenant ritual. This practice underscored the king's role as a spiritual leader and provider, facilitating obedience to the Mosaic law for the entire community.
חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, H2506) — a portion or share received from a division, whereas חֲלֻקָּה is the act of distributing those portions. מַחֲלֹקֶת (machăloqeth, H4256) — a division or course, often of priests or Levites for temple service, focusing on the grouped parties rather than the act of apportioning.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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