חֻלְדָּה

Chuldah, an Israelitess

Definition

Chuldah (Huldah) is a proper name referring to a prophetess in Jerusalem during the reign of King Josiah. She is specifically identified as the wife of Shallum, keeper of the wardrobe, and lived in the Second District of Jerusalem (2 Kings 22:14, 2 Chronicles 34:22). Her primary biblical role is delivering a divine oracle from the LORD concerning the Book of the Law discovered in the temple, affirming its authenticity and pronouncing judgment on Judah for its idolatry, while also promising mercy to Josiah for his repentance. The name itself means 'weasel' or 'mole,' derived from the common noun for the burrowing animal.

Biblical Usage

The name Chuldah is used exclusively in two parallel historical accounts: 2 Kings 22:14-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22-28. In both contexts, she is consulted by high-ranking officials sent by King Josiah after the discovery of the Book of the Law. Her usage is singular and specific—she is a recognized female prophet (נְבִיאָה) whose authoritative word from God is sought and heeded at a critical national moment of religious reform and crisis.

Etymology

Chuldah (חֻלְדָּה) is the feminine form of the masculine noun חֹלֶד (H2467), which means 'weasel' or 'mole.' It is a proper name derived directly from this animal name, a common practice in Hebrew onomastics (name-giving) where names are taken from the natural world. The root likely relates to the creature's burrowing or gliding movement.

Semantic Range

Chuldah is a significant figure theologically as one of the few explicitly named female prophets in the Hebrew Bible. Her story underscores that God's prophetic word could come through women with full authority, which was heeded by the king and the priesthood. Her oracle (2 Kings 22:16-20) highlights key themes of divine judgment conditioned on covenant disobedience and the efficacy of heartfelt repentance, directly shaping Josiah's subsequent reforms. Understanding her role enriches the reading of the Deuteronomistic history by showing the mechanism of God's word guiding national revival.

In the cultural context of late monarchic Judah, Chuldah's position as a consulted prophetess, while her husband held a royal administrative post, indicates that women could hold recognized religious authority. Her residence in the 'Second District' (מִשְׁנֶה) of Jerusalem suggests she lived in a newer, possibly affluent suburb. Consulting a prophetess for an official royal inquiry, rather than the more prominent prophet Jeremiah (who was active at the time), reflects the specific divine guidance sought for that moment and her established local reputation.

Deborah (דְּבוֹרָה, H1683) — another female prophet and judge who delivered oracles and led Israel. Miriam (מִרְיָם, H4813) — called a prophetess, associated with song and leadership. Noadiah (נוֹעַדְיָה, H5129) — a prophetess mentioned in Nehemiah's time, but in a negative context.

Word Details

Scripture References