### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôb**, represented by `{{H2243}}`, refers to the **bosom**. It is a very rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The word's root implies a cherisher, suggesting a place of closeness and intimacy, but its sole biblical use frames it as a place of concealment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H2243}}` is in the book of Job, where Job defends his integrity. He states, "If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my **bosom**" [[Job 31:33]]. In this context, the **bosom** is not a place of warmth or affection, but a metaphor for the hidden, innermost part of a person where one might attempt to conceal sin and moral failure from the sight of God and others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H2243}}` is illuminated by the words used alongside it in its only context:
* `{{H3680}}` **kâçâh** (to cover (for clothing or secrecy)): This word is used in [[Job 31:33]] for covering transgressions. The act of "covering" sin is contrasted throughout scripture; while humans cover sin to hide it and shall not prosper [[Proverbs 28:13]], the blessed person is one whose sin is covered by God's forgiveness [[Psalms 32:1]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity): This is the "iniquity" that Job denies hiding in his bosom. Scripture presents this as something that requires divine pardon [[Micah 7:18]] and was borne by the suffering servant [[Isaiah 53:5]].
* `{{H6588}}` **peshaʻ** (a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, transgression): This is the "transgression" that Job claims he has not covered up like Adam. God is the one who ultimately blots out transgressions [[Isaiah 43:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2243}}` is concentrated entirely in its single, powerful use. It highlights several key concepts regarding sin and human nature.
* **Concealment of Sin:** The **bosom** is presented as the symbolic location for the private concealment of sin. Job's oath suggests that a righteous person does not hide iniquity within themselves, in contrast to the natural human tendency to do so.
* **Personal Integrity:** The verse [[Job 31:33]] is part of Job's final declaration of innocence. By denying that he hid sin in his **bosom**, he asserts a life of transparency and moral uprightness before God.
* **Human versus Divine Covering:** The act of hiding sin in the **bosom** `{{H2243}}` is a futile human effort. It stands in stark contrast to the divine act of covering `{{H3680}}` sin, which is an act of forgiveness and mercy from God [[Psalms 32:1]].
### Summary
In summary, though `{{H2243}}` **chôb** is used only once, its context in [[Job 31:33]] gives it significant meaning. It transforms the concept of the **bosom** from a simple physical location to a profound metaphor for the heart's capacity for secret sin. Its significance is magnified by its relationship to the surrounding words for covering, iniquity, and transgression, creating a concise but potent illustration of the conflict between human concealment and divine forgiveness.
TRV