Chagav is a Hebrew name from the Old Testament, appearing as a variant form of Hagab, which means "locust" in Hebrew. The name is borne by a minor figure in the biblical period, specifically among those mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as returning from exile.EtymologyAs a variant of Hagab, Chagav derives from the Hebrew word for locust (חגב), a term that appears symbolically in the Scriptures. Locusts are often associated with divine judgment in the Old Testament, such as the plagues of Exodus, but the name may also refer to the insect's uncanny ability to multiply, representing fecundity or resilience.Historical and Biblical ContextIn the biblical narrative, individuals named Hagab (and presumably Chagav) are listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants (Levites) who returned from the Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Nehemiah 7:46–48 and Ezra 2:43–47). These names appear in genealogical records and the Masoretic tradition includes a slight variant attested as Chagav, possibly due to scribal differences or pronunciation variations.Cultural SignificanceAlthough rare, the name Chagav contributes to our understanding of biblical onomastics, reflecting how the natural environment (wild creatures) supplied personal names throughout ancient Israel. This variant also illustrates how related forms extend into Biblical Latin (Agabus) and Biblical Greek (Agabos), though those canonical forms appear through language transposition in the New Testament.Notable BearersChagav: possibly a variant listed in genealogies of returnees; noted as a minor character in Masoretic passages.Key Facts:Meaning: Locust (variant of Hagab)Origin: HebrewType: First name (masculine)Usage: Hebrew Bible (Old Testament, returning exiles)