2466. Cheled
Lexical Summary
Cheled: World, life, lifetime

Original Word: חֵלֶד
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: cheled
Pronunciation: kheh'-led
Phonetic Spelling: (khay'-led)
KJV: Heled
NASB: Heled
Word Origin: [the same as H2465 (חֶלֶד - world)]

1. Cheled, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Heled

The same as cheled; Cheled, an Israelite -- Heled.

see HEBREW cheled

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from the same as choled
Definition
one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Heled (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
חֵ֫לֶד proper name, masculine (Sabean proper name חֿלד DHMEpigr. Denkm. 35) one of David's heroes, son of בַּעֲנָה 1 Chronicles 11:30 A ᵐ5L Αλαδ (= חֶלְדַּי 1 Chronicles 27:15 = חֵלֶב 2 Samuel 23:29).

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Occurrence and Context

Cheled is named once in Scripture: “Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite” (1 Chronicles 11:30). The verse appears in the Chronicle’s roster of “the mighty men who were loyal to David” (1 Chronicles 11:10). These warriors rallied to David during his years of flight from Saul and later formed the backbone of his kingdom. Their inclusion testifies to God’s provision of courageous, covenant–minded supporters for the anointed king.

Historical and Geographical Setting

Cheled’s descriptor, “the Netophathite,” links him to Netophah, a small settlement south of Bethlehem near the Judean highlands. Netophah is also mentioned in Ezra 2:22 and Nehemiah 7:26 among post-exilic returnees, indicating the town’s continued identity through centuries of upheaval. Its proximity to Bethlehem, David’s hometown, suggests early ties of loyalty between the Netophathites and David even before he ascended Israel’s throne.

Cheled Among David’s Mighty Men

1 Chronicles groups Cheled with the “Thirty,” a corps of elite fighters distinguished for unusual valor. The parallel list in 2 Samuel 23:29 reads “Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite,” reflecting a minor spelling variation but describing the same man. Cheled’s presence in this register places him alongside luminaries such as Benaiah son of Jehoiada (1 Chronicles 11:22) and Asahel brother of Joab (11:26). The caliber of these men underscores Cheled’s proven bravery and skill in battle.

Textual Observations

1. Variants: The Chronicle’s “Cheled” and Samuel’s “Heleb” illustrate routine consonantal shifts preserved by the inspired text while leaving its message intact.
2. Placement: Chronicles expands the list beyond Samuel, emphasizing the breadth of support David received. Cheled’s name thereby contributes to the Chronicler’s theological aim—showing unified national devotion around the Davidic king.

Theological and Ministry Significance

1. God’s Use of the Obscure: Cheled surfaces only once, yet the Spirit deemed his record essential. The single mention affirms that no act of faithfulness escapes divine notice (Hebrews 6:10).
2. Corporate Courage: The mighty men functioned as a community; each name, including Cheled’s, illustrates that spiritual victories are rarely solitary achievements (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
3. Covenant Continuity: Netophah’s later reappearance among the restored exiles shows the Lord’s long-range care for those who once supported His anointed. Cheled’s hometown survived Babylonian destruction and enjoyed post-exilic restoration, echoing God’s promise that loyalty to His kingdom endures (Psalm 89:29).

Lessons for Today

• Unrecorded deeds still matter. Ministries often require unseen perseverance, yet Scripture’s brief nod to Cheled proves that God chronicles every faithful act.
• Local faithfulness can shape national blessing. A warrior from a small Judean village aided the kingdom’s establishment; similarly, steadfast believers in humble settings nourish the body of Christ.
• Stand with the rightful king. Cheled committed himself to David during uncertain days. Believers are called to the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, standing firm until His kingdom is fully revealed (Revelation 17:14).

Forms and Transliterations
חֵ֥לֶד חלד Cheled ḥê·leḏ ḥêleḏ
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 11:30
HEB: מַהְרַי֙ הַנְּטֹ֣פָתִ֔י חֵ֥לֶד בֶּֽן־ בַּֽעֲנָ֖ה
NAS: the Netophathite, Heled the son
KJV: the Netophathite, Heled the son
INT: Maharai the Netophathite Heled the son of Baanah

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2466
1 Occurrence


ḥê·leḏ — 1 Occ.

2465
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