### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châbâʼ**, represented by `{{H2244}}`, is a primitive root defined as **to secrete; [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly**. It appears **33 times** across **33 unique verses** in the Bible. The word conveys the act of concealing oneself or an object, often driven by motives such as fear, shame, or self-preservation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2244}}` is used to describe a range of hiding activities. Its first appearance is foundational, describing how Adam and his wife **hid themselves** from God's presence in the garden after their disobedience [[Genesis 3:8]]. This act of hiding is prompted by fear and shame [[Genesis 3:10]]. In a different context, the word is used for righteous preservation, as when Rahab **hid** the Israelite messengers, which led to her and her household being saved [[Joshua 6:17]]. The word also describes attempts to escape judgment, such as when five kings **hid** themselves in a cave from Joshua [[Joshua 10:16]] or when Obadiah **hid** one hundred prophets from Jezebel in a cave [[1 Kings 18:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of concealment, flight, and seeking:
* `{{H5641}}` **çâthar** (to hide): This word is a close synonym, often used to describe being hidden or concealed. It appears alongside `{{H2244}}` in [[Isaiah 49:2]] and is used in contexts of seeking divine protection, where the faithful hope to be **hid** in the day of the LORD’S anger [[Zephaniah 2:3]].
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to flee suddenly): This word often describes the action that precedes hiding. In Daniel's vision, the men with him **fled** `{{H1272}}` to **hide** `{{H2244}}` themselves when a great quaking fell upon them [[Daniel 10:7]].
* `{{H2664}}` **châphas** (to seek, search): This word represents the direct counter-action to hiding. God's inescapable sovereignty is shown when He declares that even if people **hide** themselves in the top of Carmel, He will **search** and take them out [[Amos 9:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2244}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of the human condition and God's nature.
* **Hiding from God:** The concept begins in the Garden of Eden, where sin leads directly to Adam and Eve hiding from their Creator, establishing a pattern of humanity's instinct to conceal itself from divine presence due to fear [[Genesis 3:10]].
* **Preservation and Providence:** Hiding is not always depicted negatively. The actions of Rahab [[Joshua 6:25]] and Obadiah [[1 Kings 18:13]] show that hiding can be a righteous means of preserving life and fulfilling God's purposes.
* **The Futility of Escape:** Scripture makes clear that no one can ultimately hide from God's sight or judgment. The Lord's promise to search out and take those who hide themselves [[Amos 9:3]] demonstrates His omniscience and sovereign justice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2244}}` is more than a simple term for concealment. It illustrates the complex motivations behind hiding, from the shame of sin in the Garden of Eden [[Genesis 3:8]] to the preservation of the faithful [[1 Kings 18:4]] and the futile attempts to escape divine justice [[Joshua 10:16]]. The word captures a fundamental tension in scripture between the human impulse to hide and the absolute sovereignty of a God from whom nothing can be hidden.
TRV