Hoglah

Etymology

Hoglah is a Hebrew name meaning "partridge". It appears in the Old Testament as one of the five daughters of Zelophehad. The name is spelled Chagla in Biblical Hebrew.

Biblical Account

According to the Book of Numbers, Zelophehad, a man of the Tribe of Manasseh, died during the Israelites' wilderness wandering, leaving five daughters — Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah — but no sons. The daughters brought a case before Moses and the congregation, arguing for the right to inherit their father's property in the absence of a male heir. The Lord instructed Moses to uphold their claim, establishing a legal precedent for inheritance (Numbers 27:1–11). This story is often cited as a early biblical example of women's property rights.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Hoglah and her sisters are remembered as heroines who advocated for justice within the patriarchal framework of ancient Israel. Their story has been referenced in feminist theology and discussions of inheritance law. The name Hoglah, though rare in modern usage, carries connotations of independence and advocacy. Its animal origin "partridge" also links to nature, though the partridge is not a prominent symbol in biblical texts.

Key Facts

• Meaning: "partridge"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Feminine biblical name
• Usage: English Bible contexts
• Related: Chagla (Biblical Hebrew form)