חָשַׁל

חָשַׁל

to make (intrans. be) unsteady, i.e. weak

Definition

The Hebrew verb חָשַׁל (châshal) means to be or become weak, feeble, or unsteady. It describes a state of physical or moral debilitation, often implying a loss of strength or stability. In its sole biblical occurrence in Deuteronomy 25:18, it is used intransitively to describe the Israelites as being 'faint and weary' (KJV 'feeble') after their exodus from Egypt, emphasizing their vulnerable and exhausted condition when attacked by the Amalekites.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 25:18. It appears in a historical recollection within Moses' sermon, specifically describing the vulnerable state of the Israelites at the rear of the camp during the wilderness journey. The context is one of physical exhaustion and military weakness, exploited by an enemy. No other patterns of usage exist due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

חָשַׁל is a primitive root in biblical Hebrew. Its exact derivation is uncertain, but it is generally understood to convey the core idea of being slack, loose, or weak. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic, support meanings related to being soft, relaxed, or feeble, aligning with its biblical sense of debilitation.

Semantic Range

This word, though used only once, carries theological weight in illustrating God's care for the vulnerable. In Deuteronomy 25:18, the 'feebleness' of Israel highlights their complete dependence on divine protection, especially when they were incapable of self-defense. It underscores themes of God's providence during times of human weakness and serves as a basis for the condemnation of Amalek's cowardly attack on the defenseless. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by emphasizing the gravity of exploiting those who are spiritually or physically exhausted. In the ancient Near Eastern context, attacking a weary, straggling group at the rear of a traveling party was considered a particularly cowardly and dishonorable act of warfare. The term 'feeble' (châshal) here would have evoked not just physical tiredness but a complete state of defenselessness, making the Amalekites' aggression a severe breach of customary conduct, which magnifies the moral indictment in the biblical text. חָלַשׁ (chalash, H2522) — more common verb for being weak or sick; often physical. כָּשַׁל (kashal, H3782) — to stumble or fall, often from weakness or failure. רָפָה (raphah, H7503) — to sink, relax, or let drop; can imply slackness or loss of strength.

Word Details