חֲלַקָּה

From the study of Daniel 11:32

Range of meaning

From chalaq, 'to be smooth.' It means smoothness or slipperiness: smooth or slippery ground (Psalm 73:18, 'slippery places'), smooth words or flattery (Proverbs 6:24 'smooth tongue'; Isaiah 30:10 'speak to us smooth things'). The longer form chalaqlaqqot (Daniel 11:21, 34) means intrigues, slippery dealings, insincerity.

Against the English

'Flattery' or 'flatteries' (KJV, BSB, NIV, ESV, WEB). Today 'flattery' suggests compliments. The Hebrew picture is broader: smooth, slippery dealing, meaning promises, inducements, honours, and words that make the ground easy to slide on.

How it drifted

The English word has narrowed toward personal praise. The Hebrew covers political and social persuasion as a whole.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 30:10. The Dead Sea Scrolls call a rival group 'seekers of smooth things' (dorshe chalaqot, Damascus Document 1:18; Nahum Pesher 4Q169), probably a pun on halakhot (legal rulings) aimed at teachers thought to make the law too easy. 1 Maccabees 2:18 shows the kind of offer meant: the king's officers promise Mattathias that he and his sons will be counted among the 'Friends of the King' and rewarded with silver, gold and gifts.