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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chabbûwrâh**, represented by `{{H2250}}`, refers to a **bruise, stripe, or wound**. It appears **7 times** in **6 unique verses**. The term is derived from a root meaning to be "bound," often with stripes, and can describe the resulting weal or black-and-blue mark itself, as well as a general **hurt**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2250}}` appears in several distinct contexts. In the law, it establishes a principle of retributive justice: "stripe{H2250} for stripe{H2250}" [[Exodus 21:25]]. It is also tied to personal violence, as when Lamech claims to have slain a young man for his "hurt{H2250}" [[Genesis 4:23]]. Metaphorically, it can depict a state of spiritual decay, as in Isaiah's description of a nation covered in "wounds{H6482}, and bruises{H2250}, and putrifying sores" that have not been treated [[Isaiah 1:6]]. The term is also connected to the consequences of personal failing, where the psalmist's "wounds{H2250}" are the result of his "foolishness{H200}" [[Psalms 38:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of `{{H2250}}`:
* `{{H6482}}` **petsaʻ** (wound): This term for a wound is often used in parallel with `chabbûwrâh`. It appears in the legal code "wound{H6482} for wound{H6482}" [[Exodus 21:25]] and describes the injury inflicted by Lamech [[Genesis 4:23]]. Proverbs uses both words together to describe a cleansing wound [[Proverbs 20:30]].
* `{{H2280}}` **châbash** (to bind up): This word represents the proper response to a wound. Isaiah's lament highlights that the nation's "bruises{H2250}" have not been "bound up{H2280}" [[Isaiah 1:6]], signifying neglect. In contrast, God's restorative work includes binding up the wounds of His people [[Psalms 147:3]].
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (to heal): This term signifies the ultimate positive outcome. The most profound theological connection is in [[Isaiah 53:5]], where it is by the servant's "stripes{H2250}" that "we are healed{H7495}". This links the mark of injury directly to restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2250}}` is significant, illustrating a progression from consequence to redemption.
* **Consequence of Folly and Sin:** The word is directly linked to the painful results of wrongdoing. The psalmist's "wounds{H2250}" stink and are corrupt specifically because of his "foolishness{H200}" [[Psalms 38:5]]. On a national level, untreated "bruises{H2250}" serve as a physical metaphor for a state of spiritual sickness [[Isaiah 1:6]].
* **A Tool for Cleansing:** Beyond mere punishment, a wound can have a purifying purpose. Proverbs states that "The blueness{H2250} of a wound{H6482} cleanseth{H8562} away evil{H7451}," suggesting that painful discipline can reach the "inward parts{H2315}" [[Proverbs 20:30]].
* **Vicarious Atonement:** The word's most powerful theological use is in Isaiah. The "stripes{H2250}" are borne by a suffering servant not for his own sin but for the "transgressions{H6588}" and "iniquities{H5771}" of others, making their healing possible [[Isaiah 53:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2250}}` is far more than a simple term for an injury. It encapsulates a complex biblical theme, moving from a literal hurt in contexts of violence and law ([[Genesis 4:23]], [[Exodus 21:25]]) to a potent symbol. It represents the physical manifestation of sin and foolishness ([[Psalms 38:5]], [[Isaiah 1:6]]), but also holds the paradoxical potential for corrective discipline [[Proverbs 20:30]]. Ultimately, it finds its deepest meaning in the prophetic vision of redemptive suffering, where the "stripes" of one become the source of healing for all [[Isaiah 53:5]].
TRV