Original Word: חֲלָק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chalaq
Pronunciation: khaw-lak'
Phonetic Spelling: (khal-awk')
KJV: portion
NASB: share, possession
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to H2505 (חָלַק - To divide)]

1. a part

portion

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chalaq; a part -- portion.

see HEBREW chalaq

Word Origin
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chalaq
Definition
portion, possession
NASB Translation
possession (1), share (2).

חֲלָק noun [masculine] portion, possession, lot (see Biblical Hebrew); — absolute ׳ח possession in land Ezra 4:16; suffix חֲלְקֵהּ Daniel 4:12,20, i.e. his appointed lot.

Overview

The noun חֲלָק (Strong’s 2508) denotes a “portion” or “share” that is allotted, received, or lived out. Though its appearances are few, each instance frames a decisive moment in which God’s rule over human possession and position is highlighted.

Occurrences in Scripture

Ezra 4:16

“We inform the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls restored, by this means you will have no portion west of the River.”

The term is used diplomatically to warn King Artaxerxes that Jerusalem’s restoration would diminish his territorial share.

Daniel 4:15

“Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth.”

Daniel 4:23

“And you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field, and you will be given grass to eat like cattle; seven times will pass over you until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes.”

In both verses the noun describes the king’s new allotment—reduced from regal splendor to life among animals—until he recognizes divine sovereignty.

Historical Context

Ezra’s setting is the early Persian period; a rebuilding Judah collided with regional governors protective of the empire’s “portions.” Daniel’s narrative reaches back to Neo-Babylonian rule, yet both documents stress that every earthly allotment stands under heaven’s jurisdiction.

Theological Themes

1. Sovereign Distribution

Possessions, lands, and honors are not human entitlements but divine allocations. The Most High “gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:23).

2. Accountability of Authority

Portions can be withdrawn. Nebuchadnezzar’s demotion warns leaders that stewardship, not self-exaltation, is God’s design.

3. Assurance for God’s People

While imperial officials threatened Jerusalem’s “portion,” Scripture records that God preserved it. What He assigns cannot be finally annulled.

4. Foreshadowing the Gospel Inheritance

The fragile portions of Ezra and Daniel contrast with the unshakeable inheritance secured in Christ (1 Peter 1:4). Believers rest in a share that “does not fade away.”

Ministry Implications

• Encourage faithful stewardship of every God-given role and resource.
• Preach humility, reminding rulers and congregants alike that all authority is borrowed.
• Strengthen hope amid opposition; God guards the true portion of His people.
• Point to Christ as the believer’s ultimate, unfailing share.

Related Biblical Concepts

Portion/inheritance (נַחֲלָה, Strong’s 5159); Lot (גּוֹרָל, Strong’s 1486); Share (חֵלֶק, Strong’s 2506). Each enriches the Scriptures’ testimony that God alone assigns, maintains, and fulfills every portion.

חֲלָק֙ חֲלָקֵ֔הּ חֲלָקֵ֖הּ חלק חלקה chaLak chalaKeh ḥă·lā·qêh ḥă·lāq ḥălāq ḥălāqêhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts