The Aramaic word chăbûwlâh, represented by H2248, denotes an act of hurt or a moral crime. It is derived from the root חֲבַל (chăbal) and its definition is "properly, overthrown, i.e. (morally) crime; hurt." This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The sole appearance of H2248 is in the book of Daniel, during his deliverance from the lions' den. After God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths, Daniel declares his innocence to the king. He states that just as he was found innocent before God, "also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt" Daniel 6:22. This usage places the word in a legal and moral context, where Daniel is asserting that he has committed no crime or injurious act against the monarch.
Several related Aramaic words from the same context help clarify the meaning of H2248:
- H2255 chăbal (to ruin; destroy, hurt): This is the root verb from which H2248 is derived. It is used in the same verse to describe the physical harm the lions did not inflict upon Daniel, highlighting a distinction between physical and moral injury Daniel 6:22. It is also used to describe kingdoms that will not be destroyed Daniel 7:14.
- H2136 zâkûw (purity; innocency): This word is central to Daniel's defense. He states that because innocency was found in him before God, he was saved from harm. This provides the divine basis for his claim of having done no hurt to the king Daniel 6:22.
- H3809 lâʼ (not, no): This simple negation is crucial to the declaration. It is used twice in Daniel's statement: the lions have not hurt me, and I have done no hurt to you, firmly establishing his blamelessness on both a physical and moral level Daniel 6:22.
The theological significance of H2248 is tied directly to its singular, powerful use.
- Divine and Earthly Justice: The word highlights the relationship between one's standing before God and before human authority. Daniel's declaration of "no hurt" H2248 before the king is a direct consequence of the "innocency" H2136 found in him before God Daniel 6:22.
- Integrity Under Persecution: Daniel's statement serves as a declaration of integrity. Despite disobeying a royal edict, he asserts that his actions were not a criminal act or a personal injury against the king. His ultimate allegiance to God did not constitute a moral failure or rebellious hurt toward the throne.
- Moral vs. Physical Harm: The context draws a clear line between the moral "hurt" of a crime, which Daniel denies committing, and the physical "hurt" from which God protects him. This demonstrates that a clear conscience before God is the ultimate defense against false accusations.
In summary, although chăbûwlâh H2248 is used only once, its role is pivotal. It encapsulates the essence of Daniel's defense, defining his actions not as rebellion but as faithfulness. The word serves as a legal and moral term for a criminal or injurious act, and its use in Daniel 6:22 powerfully affirms that blamelessness before God is the foundation for righteousness before people, even in the face of mortal danger.
TRV