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.
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.
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.
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.
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