חָלַל
Properly, to bore , i.e. (by implication) to wound , to dissolve ; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute)
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does חָלַל (chalal) mean in the Bible?
חָלַל (chalal) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to bore , i.e. (by implication) to wound , to dissolve ; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute)". properly, to bore, i. Sabbath violation represents treating sacred time as ordinary, undermining covenant holiness. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant, Holiness.
Meaning
To pierce or wound, thus to profane sacred things by breaking covenant boundaries or ritual purity.
properly, to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute) BDB: pollute Usage: begin (× men began), defile, × break, defile, × eat (as common things), × first, × gather the grape thereof, × take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound.
Why This Word Matters
Sabbath violation represents treating sacred time as ordinary, undermining covenant holiness. Nehemiah 13:15-22
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Hiphil causative active — the subject causes someone else to perform the action 40×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 36×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 6×
Pual intensive passive — intensive action received by the subject 1×
Hophal causative passive — the subject is caused to perform the action 1×
Poel 2×
Polal 1×
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 1×
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 143 occurrences in the biblical text.