חׇפְשׁוּת

חׇפְשׁוּת

prostration by sickness

Definition

The Hebrew word חׇפְשׁוּת (chophshûwth) refers to a state of being incapacitated or confined due to illness, specifically a condition of prostration or seclusion caused by sickness. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes a severe, chronic affliction that required King Uzziah (also called Azariah) to live in a separate house, effectively removed from his royal duties (2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:21). The term implies more than a temporary sickness; it denotes a debilitating, long-term infirmity that results in social and functional isolation. The related word חׇפְשִׁית (chophshîyth) appears in the same context in 2 Chronicles 26:21, reinforcing this concept of a separate dwelling due to infirmity.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the historical books to describe the condition of King Uzziah/Azariah after he was struck with leprosy for his prideful act of burning incense in the temple. In both 2 Kings 15:5 and 2 Chronicles 26:21, the term is used in the phrase 'dwelt in a house of חׇפְשׁוּת,' indicating he lived in isolation. The usage pattern is specific: it describes a royal figure's forced seclusion due to a divinely inflicted, chronic disease, highlighting the severe consequences of sin against God's holiness.

Etymology

Derived from the root חָפַשׁ (châphash, H2666), which carries the basic meaning of being free or loose. The noun form חׇפְשׁוּת develops a specialized sense, likely through the idea of being 'freed' or 'separated' from normal society and duties due to infirmity. The connection to a 'house' (בַּיִת, bayith, H1004) in its biblical usage points to the concrete reality of a separate dwelling, akin to a hospital or isolation house for the chronically ill.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates the direct and tangible consequences of sin, even for a king. Uzziah's 'house of prostration' serves as a powerful object lesson on the holiness of God and the danger of pride and presumption in worship (2 Chronicles 26:16-20). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by clarifying that his punishment was not just a skin disease but a state of total incapacitation and royal marginalization, a dramatic fall from power and presence due to his transgression. In ancient Israelite culture, severe skin diseases like leprosy mandated ritual impurity and social isolation (Leviticus 13-14). The 'house of חׇפְשׁוּת' represents the practical application of these laws to the king himself. It underscores that no one, not even the monarch, was above God's covenant laws. This enforced seclusion was a public sign of divine judgment, radically different from a modern private medical retirement. חֳלִי (choli, H2483) — A more general term for sickness or disease. תַּחֲלֻאִים (tachalu'im, H8463) — Refers to diseases or infirmities, often in a plural sense.

Word Details