Hebrew noun (masculine) · H2459
חֶלֶב
chelebkheh'-leb
fat
92 uses in the Hebrew text, one for each word STEP Bible has tagged with this key
Word page · Part of the concordance, one page for every word of the Hebrew and Greek text. Strong's H2459is this word's number in James Strong's 1890 index of the King James Bible.
- 14 of 39Old Testament books
- 48spellings
The definition in full
Strong's key (1890) · H2459
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
The King James renders it: [idiom] best, fat(-ness), [idiom] finest, grease, marrow.
James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890), public domain. Strong indexed the King James text, and this site quotes his entry as that index.
Summary
cheleb is rendered "fat". It stands 92 times in the Hebrew text, across fourteen books.
- Forty-eight of the uses stand in Leviticus, more than in any other book.
- Its first use in canonical order opens the ledger below.Genesis 4:4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
- The Greek text spells it forty-eight different ways.
The first use
while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
Genesis 4:4וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן
The first use, in the order of the Old Testament's books.
Where the word stands
Forty-eight of the word's ninety-two uses are in Leviticus.
What the word means
Each meaning, and the words it is translated by
How the Greek text is glossed, word by word
- the fat31
- fat of9
- fat8
- the fats7
- fat its6
- fat their4
- fats of4
- and fat of3
- best of3
- from fat3
- best of its2
- from fat of2
and 10 more, 92 uses in all
The words built on the same word-part
Each word below begins with the same letters this one begins with. A shared word-part shows a family. It does not settle what any one of them means, so each word carries its own uses on its own page. Scholars call that shared part the stem.
| Word | Written | Meaning | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| חֶלֶד | cheled | lifetime/world | Uses5 |
The words it stands beside
All 92, in canonical order
Every use, in order
Every use, grouped by book, with its verse.
48 spellings and their grammar
STEP Bible tags every word of the Hebrew and Greek text with its spelling and its grammar. Both lists below count the rows printed underneath, written out in English, with the code beside each one as it was tagged.
How it is spelled
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙11
- הַחֵ֔לֶב6
- חֵ֣לֶב5
- הַחֵ֖לֶב4
- חֵ֥לֶב4
- הַחֵלֶב֮3
- הַחֲלָבִ֖ים3
- חֵ֖לֶב3
- חֶלְבּוֹ֙3
- חֶלְבּ֖וֹ3
- הַחֵ֨לֶב2
- הַחֵ֤לֶב2
and 36 more spellings in the ledger below.
The grammar of each form
- the definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singular31HTd/Ncmsa
- noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)12HNcmsc
- noun · masculine singular8HNcmsa
- noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singular7HNcmsc/Sp3ms
- the definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine plural7HTd/Ncmpa
- preposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)5HR/Ncmsc
- conjunction (“and”) + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)4HC/Ncmsc
- noun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)4HNcmpc
- preposition + noun · masculine singular3HR/Ncmsa
- noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine plural2HNcmsc/Sp3fp
- noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine singular2HNcmsc/Sp3fs
- noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine plural2HNcmsc/Sp3mp
Genesis
two uses
while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,
- וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ןumechelvehenconjunction (“and”) + preposition + noun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine pluraltagged: and some of fats their
Then bring your father and your families and return to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat from the fat of the land.’
- חֵ֥לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
Exodus
six uses
You must not offer the blood of My sacrifices with anything leavened, nor may the fat of My feast remain until morning.
- חֵֽלֶב־chelev-noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.
- הַחֵלֶב֮hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֖לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination),
- הַחֵ֨לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֣לֶב׀hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
Leviticus
forty-eight uses
From the peace offering he is to bring an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
And from the peace offering he shall bring an offering made by fire to the LORD consisting of its fat: the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
- חֶלְבּוֹ֙chelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: fat its
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
And from his offering he shall present an offering made by fire to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys.
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.
- חֵ֖לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
This is a permanent statute for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.”
- חֵ֥לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
Then he shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them,
- חֵ֛לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys—
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
And he is to remove all the fat from it and burn it on the altar.
- חֶלְבּ֖וֹchelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: fat its
He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin, and he will be forgiven.
- חֶלְבּוֹ֙chelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: fat its
- כְּחֵ֖לֶבkechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: like fat of
Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.
- חֶלְבָּ֣הּchelbahnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine singulartagged: fat its
- חֵלֶב֮chelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
And he shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the offerings made by fire to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.
- חֶלְבָּ֣הchelbahnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine singulartagged: fat its
- חֵֽלֶב־chelev-noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
- חֶלְבֵ֥יchelveinoun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fats of
And all the fat from it shall be offered: the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails,
- חֶלְבּ֖וֹchelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: fat its
- הַחֵ֖לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which is to be removed with the kidneys.
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘You are not to eat any of the fat of an ox, a sheep, or a goat.
- חֵ֜לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
The fat of an animal found dead or mauled by wild beasts may be used for any other purpose, but you must not eat it.
- וְחֵ֤לֶבvechelevconjunction (“and”) + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: and fat of
- וְחֵ֣לֶבvechelevconjunction (“and”) + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: and fat
If anyone eats the fat of an animal from which an offering made by fire may be presented to the LORD, the one who eats it must be cut off from his people.
- חֵ֔לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD.
- הַחֵ֤לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons.
- הַחֵ֖לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion.
- הַחֵ֖לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys and their fat, and burned it all on the altar.
- הַחֵלֶב֮hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ןchelbehennoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine pluraltagged: fat their
And Moses took the fat—the fat tail, all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—as well as the right thigh.
- הַחֵ֣לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- הַחֵלֶב֮hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
- חֶלְבְּהֶ֑ןchelbehennoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person feminine pluraltagged: fat their
And from the basket of unleavened bread that was before the LORD, he took one cake of unleavened bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer, and he placed them on the fat portions and on the right thigh.
- הַ֣חֲלָבִ֔יםhachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
On the altar he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver from the sin offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- הַחֵ֨לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
They also brought the fat portions from the ox and the ram—the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver—
- הַחֲלָבִ֖יםhachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,
- הַחֲלָבִ֖יםhachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
- הַחֲלָבִ֖יםhachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.
- הַחֲלָבִ֑יםhachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
They are to bring the thigh of the contribution and the breast of the wave offering, together with the fat portions of the offerings made by fire, to wave as a wave offering before the LORD. It will belong permanently to you and your children, as the LORD has commanded.”
- הַחֲלָבִים֙hachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.
- חֵ֥לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
The priest will then sprinkle the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
Numbers
six uses
I give you all the freshest olive oil and all the finest new wine and grain that the Israelites give to the LORD as their firstfruits.
- חֵ֣לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: best of
- חֵ֖לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: best of
But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
- חֶלְבָּ֣םchelbamnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine pluraltagged: fat their
You must present the offering due the LORD from all the best of every gift, the holiest part of it.’
- חֶלְבּ֔וֹchelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: best its
Therefore say to the Levites, ‘When you have presented the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the produce of the threshing floor or winepress.
- חֶלְבּוֹ֙chelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: best of its
Once you have presented the best part of it, you will not incur guilt because of it. But you must not defile the sacred offerings of the Israelites, or else you will die.’”
- חֶלְבּ֖וֹchelbonoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: best of its
Deuteronomy
three uses
with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.
- חֵ֨לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
- חֵ֖לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
which ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you; let them give you shelter!
- חֵ֤לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fat of
Judges
one use
Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied.
- הַחֵ֙לֶב֙hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
1 Samuel
three uses
Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”
- הַחֵלֶב֒hachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!”
- הַחֵ֔לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.
- מֵחֵ֥לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: more than fat of
2 Samuel
one use
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.
- מֵחֵ֙לֶב֙mechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: from fat of
1 Kings
two uses
On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to contain all these offerings.
- חֶלְבֵ֣יchelveinoun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fats of
- חֶלְבֵ֥יchelveinoun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fats of
2 Chronicles
four uses
Then Solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar he had made could not contain all these offerings.
- חֶלְבֵ֣יchelveinoun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)tagged: fats of
- הַחֲלָבִֽים׃hachalavimthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: the fats
Furthermore, the burnt offerings were abundant, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the LORD was established.
- בְּחֶלְבֵ֧יbechelveipreposition + noun · masculine plural · in construct (“…of”)tagged: with fats of
Afterward, they made preparations for themselves and for the priests, since the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were offering up burnt offerings and fat until nightfall. So the Levites made preparations for themselves and for the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
- וְהַחֲלָבִ֖יםvehachalavimconjunction (“and”) + the definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine pluraltagged: and the fats
Job
one use
Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh,
- בְּחֶלְבּ֑וֹbechelbopreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine singulartagged: with fat his
Psalms
six uses
They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
- חֶלְבָּ֥מוֹchelbamovnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”) + pronoun suffix · 3rd person masculine pluraltagged: fat their
My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.
- חֵ֣לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild.
- מֵחֵ֣לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singulartagged: from fat
But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
- מֵחֵ֣לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: from best of
Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law.
- כַּחֵ֣לֶבkachelevpreposition with the article + noun · masculine singulartagged: like the fat
He makes peace at your borders; He fills you with the finest wheat.
- חֵ֥לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: best of
Isaiah
five uses
“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
- וְחֵ֣לֶבvechelevconjunction (“and”) + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: and fat of
The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.
- מֵחֵ֔לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singulartagged: from fat
- מֵחֵ֖לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: from fat of
And the wild oxen will fall with them, the young bulls with the strong ones. Their land will be drenched with blood, and their soil will be soaked with fat.
- מֵחֵ֥לֶבmechelevpreposition + noun · masculine singulartagged: from fat
You have not bought Me sweet cane with your silver, nor satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities.
- וְחֵ֥לֶבvechelevconjunction (“and”) + noun · masculine singular · in construct (“…of”)tagged: and fat of
Ezekiel
four uses
You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock.
- הַחֵ֤לֶבhachelevthe definite article (“the”) + noun · masculine singulartagged: the fat
At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk.
- חֵ֣לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
In addition to all your other abominations, you brought in foreigners uncircumcised in both heart and flesh to occupy My sanctuary; you defiled My temple when you offered My food—the fat and the blood; you broke My covenant.
- חֵ֣לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD.
- חֵ֣לֶבchelevnoun · masculine singulartagged: fat
Where it leads
How the numbers are counted
Every count on this page comes from STEP Bible's tagged Hebrew and Greek text, the same text the ledger prints. A use is counted once each time the tagging marks a word with this key.
Spellings are counted as the Greek text spells them, with the sentence's own punctuation taken off the word first, so a form that ends a clause is not counted as a second spelling.
The words it stands beside are the nouns, verbs and adjectives immediately before or after it, counted in every verse where the word stands. The article, the conjunctions and the prepositions are left out, because they stand beside every word.
The family is read from the lexicon by the stem the two words share, with the accents off, and a person or a place named on the stem is left out.
