חֵלֶד

Cheled, an Israelite

Definition

Cheled is the name of an Israelite warrior, specifically one of King David's mighty men, known as the 'Thirty' or 'Valiant Men'. He is listed in 1 Chronicles 11:30 as 'Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite'. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual, with no other biblical meanings or senses. The name appears only in this military roster, identifying him among David's elite fighters.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 11:30. Its usage is strictly as a personal name within a list of warriors. It appears in the context of chronicling the military heroes who supported David's kingdom, specifically in the roster found in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47.

Etymology

The name Cheled (חֵלֶד) is derived from the identical common noun חֶלֶד (cheled, H2465), which means 'world', 'duration of life', or 'age'. As a name, it likely carried a meaning related to 'temporal life' or 'the world', possibly expressing a hope for longevity or a reflection on the nature of earthly existence.

Semantic Range

Naming in ancient Israel often conveyed meaning or parental hopes. A name like Cheled, connected to the concept of 'world' or 'lifespan', may have reflected a cultural awareness of life's transience or a desire for a full life. As one of David's mighty men, his inclusion in this list signifies honor, valor, and loyalty to the king, which were highly valued cultural virtues.

As a proper name, Cheled has no direct synonyms. It is etymologically related to the common noun: חֶלֶד (cheled, H2465) — the common noun meaning 'world' or 'duration of life', from which the personal name is derived.

Word Details

Scripture References