Original Word: חַכְלִיל
Part of Speech: Adjective Masculine
Transliteration: chakliyl
Pronunciation: khak-lee-lee
Phonetic Spelling: (khak-leel')
Definition: Dark, reddish, sparkling
Meaning: darkly flashing, brilliant

red

By reduplication from an unused root apparently meaning to be dark; darkly flashing (only of the eyes); in a good sense, brilliant (as stimulated by wine) -- red.

Word Origin
from the same as Chakilah
Definition
dull
NASB Translation
dull (1).

חַכְלִילִי adjective (dark) dull, from wine, ׳ח עינים מִיָּ֑יִן Genesis 49:12.

Word Origin: Derived from the root חָכַל (chakal), which is not used in the Hebrew Bible but is understood to mean "to be dark" or "to be brilliant."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Greek equivalents in the Strong's Concordance that correspond to חַכְלִיל. However, Greek terms related to brightness or brilliance, such as λαμπρός (lampros, Strong's Greek 2986), which means "bright" or "radiant," may convey similar imagery in the Greek New Testament.

Usage: The word חַכְלִיל appears in the Hebrew Bible in poetic contexts, specifically in Genesis 49:12 and Proverbs 23:29. It is used to describe the eyes in a metaphorical sense, indicating a vivid or intense appearance.

Context: • Genesis 49:12 (BSB): "His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk." In this verse, חַכְלִיל is used to describe the eyes of Judah, symbolizing vitality and strength. The imagery of "darker than wine" suggests a deep, penetrating gaze, possibly indicating wisdom or authority.
• Proverbs 23:29 (BSB): "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?" Here, the term is part of a description of the effects of excessive drinking, where "bloodshot eyes" are a result of overindulgence. The use of חַכְלִיל in this context highlights the negative consequences of such behavior, contrasting with the positive connotations in Genesis.

The word חַכְלִיל, though rare, carries significant metaphorical weight in the passages where it appears. It is associated with both positive and negative imagery, depending on the context. In Genesis, it is part of a blessing, while in Proverbs, it serves as a warning against excess.

חַכְלִילִ֥י חכלילי chachliLi ḥaḵ·lî·lî ḥaḵlîlîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts