or חַבֻּרָה; or חֲבֻרָה; from חָבַר; properly, bound (with stripes), i.e. a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself); blueness, bruise, hurt, stripe, wound.
Transliteration:chabbûwrâh
Pronunciation:khab-boo-raw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חַבּוּרָה (chabbûwrâh, `{{H2250}}`) derives from the root חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2266}}`), which fundamentally means "to join, to bind, to unite." In its nominal form, חַבּוּרָה thus denotes something that is "bound" or "joined" in a specific way, particularly referring to the mark left by such binding or striking. The primary sense is a physical mark of injury: a weal, bruise, or stripe. It describes the discoloration and swelling that result from a blow, signifying a visible wound or contusion. The semantic range extends to encompass any "blueness," "hurt," or "wound" that manifests as a discoloration or raised mark on the skin, indicating a violent impact. It is not merely a superficial scratch but a deeper, often painful, mark left by force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חַבּוּרָה appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each occurrence carries significant weight:
* **[[Genesis 4:23]]**: In the poetic boast of Lamech, he declares, "I have slain a man for my wound (לְפִצְעִי) and a young man for my bruise (וּלְחַבֻּרָתִי)." Here, חַבּוּרָה is paralleled with פֶּצַע (petsa', `{{H6482}}`, a wound), emphasizing a severe injury, possibly even a fatal one, that Lamech claims to have avenged or inflicted. It highlights the consequence of violence.
* **[[Proverbs 20:30]]**: "Stripes (חַבֻּרוֹת) that cleanse away evil, and blows that reach the inner chambers of the heart." This proverb employs חַבּוּרָה in the plural, חַבֻּרוֹת, to refer to the disciplinary marks or blows inflicted for correction. The context is didactic, suggesting that physical punishment, resulting in bruises or stripes, serves a morally purifying purpose, reaching beyond the superficial to affect the very core of a person's being (חדרי בטן, inner chambers of the heart). It underscores the idea that suffering can be a means of moral refinement and removal of wickedness.
* **[[Isaiah 1:6]]**: Describing the spiritual and moral decay of Israel, the prophet laments, "From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises (פֶּצַע) and sores (חַבּוּרָה) and festering wounds (מַכָּה טְרִיָּה)." Here, חַבּוּרָה is part of a triad of terms depicting a pervasive state of sickness and injury, symbolizing the nation's spiritual corruption and the consequences of their rebellion against God. The imagery is of a body utterly diseased and wounded, with חַבּוּרָה contributing to the sense of widespread, unhealed trauma.
* **[[Isaiah 53:5]]**: This is arguably the most profound use: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes (וּבַחֲבֻרָתוֹ) we are healed." The singular חֲבֻרָה (chăbûrâh), a variant of חַבּוּרָה, refers specifically to the "stripes" or "bruises" endured by the Suffering Servant. In this messianic prophecy, the physical suffering of the Servant, manifested in these marks of violence, is directly linked to the spiritual healing and reconciliation of others. It speaks to a vicarious suffering that brings about profound redemptive benefits.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term חַבּוּרָה is often found in conjunction with or contrasted by other words related to injury, pain, and their consequences or remedies:
* פֶּצַע (petsa', `{{H6482}}`): A wound, often a deep cut or gash, as seen in [[Genesis 4:23]] and [[Isaiah 1:6]]. While חַבּוּרָה emphasizes the discoloration and swelling, פֶּצַע denotes a more open, lacerating wound.
* מַכָּה (makkah, `{{H4347}}`): A blow, stroke, or plague, often implying a severe impact or divine judgment. In [[Isaiah 1:6]], מַכָּה טְרִיָּה refers to a "fresh wound" or "festering sore," highlighting the unhealed nature of the nation's condition.
* רָפָא (rapha', `{{H7495}}`): To heal, cure, or restore. This verb stands in direct theological contrast to חַבּוּרָה in [[Isaiah 53:5]], where the Servant's stripes *lead* to healing for others.
* עָוֹן (ʿāwōn, `{{H5771}}`) and פֶּשַׁע (peshaʿ, `{{H6588}}`): Iniquity and transgression. These terms represent the sins that necessitate the suffering and "stripes" of the Servant in [[Isaiah 53:5]], illustrating the profound spiritual connection to physical suffering.
* The concept of discipline and chastisement (מוּסָר, musar, `{{H4148}}`), as seen in [[Proverbs 20:30]], where the physical marks are instruments of moral correction.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חַבּוּרָה is multifaceted, ranging from divine discipline to profound redemptive suffering.
In [[Proverbs 20:30]], the "stripes" signify the painful but necessary discipline that purges evil. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God, in His love, uses various forms of hardship and correction to refine His people and guide them toward righteousness. The physical marks of punishment serve as external indicators of an internal cleansing process, reaching "the inner chambers of the heart."
The most profound theological truth associated with חַבּוּרָה is found in [[Isaiah 53:5]]. Here, the "stripes" of the Suffering Servant are not for His own sin, but are borne *vicariously* for the transgressions and iniquities of others. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology, pointing directly to the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The physical bruising and wounding of the Servant — the visible manifestations of His suffering — become the means by which humanity receives spiritual healing, peace, and reconciliation with God. The concept of "healing" (רָפָא) here extends beyond physical restoration to encompass spiritual wholeness, forgiveness of sins, and restoration to a right relationship with the Divine. The חַבּוּרָה of the Servant signifies the cost of redemption, a tangible representation of the suffering required to bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. It underscores the depth of God's love and the substitutionary nature of the Messiah's sacrifice.
### Summary
חַבּוּרָה (chabbûwrâh, `{{H2250}}`) is a Hebrew term describing a bruise, weal, or stripe—a visible mark of physical injury resulting from a blow or binding. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible highlights its dual significance: as a consequence of violence or a tool for discipline, as seen in [[Genesis 4:23]] and [[Proverbs 20:30]]. Most profoundly, in [[Isaiah 53:5]], חַבּוּרָה transcends its literal meaning to become a powerful symbol of redemptive suffering. The "stripes" of the Suffering Servant signify the physical suffering endured for the spiritual healing and atonement of others. Thus, חַבּוּרָה evolves from a common descriptor of physical hurt to a profound theological concept embodying the vicarious suffering of the Messiah, whose wounds bring about peace and spiritual restoration.
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