Original Word: חֶלְאָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: Chel'ah
Pronunciation: khay-LAH
Phonetic Spelling: (khel-aw')
KJV: Helah
NASB: Helah
Word Origin: [the same as H2457 (חֶלאָה - rust)]

1. Chelah, an Israelitess

Helah

The same as chel'ah; Chelah, an Israelitess -- Helah.

see HEBREW chel'ah

Word Origin
from the same as chelah
Definition
an Isr. woman
NASB Translation
Helah (2).

II. חֶלְאָה proper name, feminine (meaning dubious) — wife of Ash—ur (of Judah) 'father' of Tekoah 1 Chronicles 4:5,7 ᵐ5 Αωδα, Αοαδα, Αλαα, Ελαα, Ελεα.

חֲלָאִים see חֲלִי below III. חלה.

חֵלָ֫אמָה see חֵילָם below I. חול.

חלב (√ of following; meaning unknown).

Biblical occurrences

Helah appears twice in the Chronicler’s record of Judah’s lineage. “Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah” (1 Chronicles 4:5). “The sons of Helah were Zereth, Zohar, and Ethnan” (1 Chronicles 4:7).

Historical setting

The genealogy of 1 Chronicles 4 traces the post-exilic community back to its tribal roots. By recording even comparatively obscure names, the Chronicler affirms continuity with the patriarchal promises and underscores the legitimacy of the restored nation. Helah’s name is preserved as part of this inspired ledger, reminding later generations that every family—and every individual—has a place in God’s redemptive storyline.

Genealogical significance within Judah

1. Marriage to Ashhur: Ashhur is identified as “the father of Tekoa,” the settlement that would later be home to the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1). Through Helah’s marriage, her lineage becomes intertwined with a town known for prophetic witness and military valor (2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Chronicles 11:6).
2. Offspring: Zereth, Zohar, and Ethnan are recorded as her sons. Although the Chronicler supplies no narratives for these men, their mention confirms that Helah contributed to multiple clans within Judah, expanding the tribal inheritance.
3. Parallel wife narrative: Like Jacob’s wives (Genesis 29–30) or Elkanah’s wives (1 Samuel 1), Ashhur’s two-wife household reveals the complexities of family life in the ancient Near East. The Chronicler simply notes the fact without moral comment, allowing later Scripture to frame God’s ideal for marriage (Matthew 19:4–6).

Theological reflections

• Divine concern for the obscure: Helah is remembered not for feats of heroism but for her place in the covenant line. This highlights the biblical theme that significance flows from God’s calling, not worldly renown (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
• Covenant continuity: By linking Helah’s sons to Judah, the Chronicler testifies to the durability of God’s promise to that tribe—ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:3).
• Female inclusion: Women’s names appear sparingly in ancient genealogies, yet Helah stands beside noted Judahite women such as Tamar (Genesis 38) and Abigail (1 Samuel 25). Scripture’s preservation of her name upholds the value and spiritual equality of women within salvation history (Galatians 3:28).

Ministry application

1. Encouragement to the overlooked: Congregations can draw on Helah’s brief mention to assure believers that God’s eye is on every member of the body, even when human recognition is minimal (Hebrews 6:10).
2. Genealogy as discipleship: Helah’s entry shows that studying genealogies can strengthen faith in Scripture’s cohesiveness and God’s providential governance of history (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
3. Intergenerational faithfulness: Her offspring remind parents and mentors of the long-range impact of faithfully nurturing the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Psalm 78:4).

Related references and parallels

• Tekoa’s heritage and prophetic voice: 2 Samuel 14:2; Amos 1:1
• Women named in Judah’s line: Tamar (Genesis 38:6–30); Rahab (Joshua 2:1; Matthew 1:5); Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)
• God’s remembrance of individuals: Malachi 3:16; Revelation 3:5

Helah’s brief appearance thus testifies that in God’s economy no life is incidental; each believer, known and named by the Lord, contributes to the unfolding of His sovereign purposes.

חֶלְאָ֑ה חֶלְאָ֖ה חלאה chelAh ḥel’āh ḥel·’āhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts