Lexical Summary chadel: Failing, lacking, idle Original Word: חָדֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance he that forbears, frail, rejected From chadal; vacant, i.e. Ceasing or destitute -- he that forbeareth, frail, rejected. see HEBREW chadal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chadal Definition forbearing, lacking NASB Translation forsaken (1), refuses (1), transient (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָדֵל adjective forbearing, lacking, הֶחָדֵל as substantive Ezekiel 3:27 he that forbeareth (opposed to שׁמע, compare חָדֵל Qal near the end); construct חֲדַל אִישִׁים Isaiah 53:3 lacking men (i.e. forsaken by them); — ceasing, transient מֶהחָֿדֵל אָ֑נִי Psalm 39:5, but read rather חֶלֶד see Checritical note. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance חָדֵל characteristically marks something that has ceased, is lacking, or is deliberately withheld. In Scripture it shades from the idea of personal frailty (our life quickly “fails”), through social abandonment (one who is “lacking” human support), to willful refusal (a person who “refrains” from responding). Though the contexts differ, each setting highlights absence where presence ought to be—whether of strength, acceptance, or obedience. Occurrences in Scripture Psalm 39:4; Isaiah 53:3; Ezekiel 3:27. Psalm 39:4 – Human Frailty and the Brevity of Life “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days, so that I may know how fleeting I am.” David prays to grasp how “failing” (חָדֵל) he is. The word underlines the transience of mortal life. Recognizing that our strength is always diminishing summons humility, repentance, and dependence upon the everlasting God (Psalm 90:12; James 4:14). Isaiah 53:3 – The Rejected Servant “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” Here חָדֵל defines Messiah as “lacking” the acceptance of humanity. Although fully worthy of honor, the Servant experiences the void of human solidarity. The verse anticipates the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ—His rejection by religious leaders (Matthew 26:67-68), abandonment by disciples (Mark 14:50), and scorn of the crowd (John 19:15). Divine purpose turns this absence into redemptive suffering, fulfilling the will of the LORD to crush Him for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:10). Ezekiel 3:27 – The Watchman’s Audience “Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.” חָדֵל describes the rebellious choice to withhold obedience. The prophet’s message demands a decision; silence or non-response is itself accountable. The same dynamic is seen in Jesus’ parables (Matthew 13:9) and in the apostolic preaching (Acts 28:24-27). Refusal does not invalidate the word; it exposes the heart. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, communal belonging and covenant loyalty were pillars of stability. To be “lacking” men (Isaiah 53:3) signified social death, and to “cease” responding to a herald (Ezekiel 3:27) defied royal authority. Scripture transposes these cultural expectations to the divine realm: the LORD is rightful King, the Servant is the rightful Brother, and every human being owes Him hearing and honor. חָדֵל spotlights the gravity of withdrawing what is due. Theological Significance 1. Human finitude: The term reminds believers that life and strength are gifts, not entitlements (Psalm 103:15-16). Christological Insights Isaiah’s use grounds the doctrine of Christ’s vicarious suffering. The One “lacking” human support becomes the very source of eternal support for those who trust Him (Hebrews 2:17-18). His willingness to endure חָדֵל on earth assures believers that He understands every experience of loneliness or rejection (Hebrews 4:15). Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral care should acknowledge the brevity of life, directing congregants toward eternal priorities (Ephesians 5:15-17). Connection with New Testament Themes James 4:14 echoes Psalm 39:4 on life’s fleeting nature. John 1:11 mirrors Isaiah 53:3, showing the persistence of rejection in Christ’s ministry. Acts 28:27 reflects Ezekiel 3:27, illustrating ongoing human refusal of divine revelation. Each reference sustains the unified biblical witness that God speaks, humanity often withholds response, yet redemption advances through the faithful obedience of His Servant. Summary חָדֵל threads through Scripture to expose what is missing—our abiding strength, our proper welcome of the Savior, and our ready obedience. Confronting that lack drives us to the One who never fails, who fills what is empty, and who turns human deficiency into the stage for divine sufficiency. Forms and Transliterations וְהֶחָדֵ֣ל ׀ וַחֲדַ֣ל והחדל וחדל חָדֵ֥ל חדל chaDel ḥā·ḏêl ḥāḏêl vachaDal vehechaDel wa·ḥă·ḏal waḥăḏal wə·he·ḥā·ḏêl wəheḥāḏêlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 39:4 HEB: אֵ֝דְעָ֗ה מֶה־ חָדֵ֥ל אָֽנִי׃ NAS: Let me know how transient I am. KJV: what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am]. INT: know how transient I Isaiah 53:3 Ezekiel 3:27 3 Occurrences |
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