חָשִׂף

חָשִׂף

properly, drawn off, i.e. separated; hence, a small company (as divided from the rest)

Definition

The Hebrew noun חָשִׂף (châsiph) literally means 'drawn off' or 'separated,' describing something that has been set apart from a larger group. In its sole biblical occurrence, it refers to a 'small company' or 'little flock' of soldiers who are distinct from the main army. This usage in 1 Kings 20:27 metaphorically applies the core idea of separation to a military context, portraying the Israelites as a modest, isolated force facing a vast enemy host. The word emphasizes both the physical separation and the vulnerable, outnumbered state of the group.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 20:27. It describes the mustered Israelite army as a 'little flock' (KJV) or 'small company' in contrast to the massive Aramean forces encamped against them. The context is purely military, used to highlight the stark numerical disadvantage and the seemingly hopeless situation of the Israelites before God grants them victory.

Etymology

Derived from the verb חָשַׂף (châsaph, H2834), which means 'to strip off, draw off, or make bare.' The noun חָשִׂף carries the sense of something that has been 'drawn off' or separated from a larger whole, hence its meaning of a distinct, small group.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. It underscores a key biblical theme: God's power is made perfect in human weakness and limitation (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). The description of God's people as a 'little flock' highlights their dependence on divine intervention, setting the stage for a victory that clearly demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises, not human military strength. In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, military might and numerical superiority were primary indicators of expected victory. Describing an army as a 'little flock' would have been culturally understood as a statement of extreme vulnerability and probable defeat, making the subsequent divine victory all the more dramatic and significant. עֵדֶר (ʿeder, H5739) — A more common term for a flock (of sheep), often used in pastoral and metaphorical contexts, lacking the specific connotation of being 'drawn off' or separated. צָבָא (tsabaʾ, H6635) — The standard term for an army, host, or organized military force, representing the main body from which a חָשִׂף might be separated.

Word Details