### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H2253 (חֶבְיוֹן, chebyôwn) is derived from the verbal root H2247 (חָבָה, chabah), which means "to hide oneself, to be hidden, to conceal." Consequently, H2253 carries the core meaning of "a concealment," "a hiding place," or "a secret place." Due to its singular occurrence in the biblical text, its semantic range is narrowly defined by its specific context. It denotes a state or place of being hidden, often implying a source or origin that is not readily apparent or fully revealed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H2253 (חֶבְיוֹן) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophet Habakkuk's prayer of awe and intercession:
* **Habakkuk 3:4**: "And his brightness was as the light; he had rays coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power." ([[Habakkuk 3:4]])
In this profound passage, Habakkuk describes a majestic theophany, a divine manifestation of God. The verse depicts God's dazzling glory, radiating light like the sun, with rays (or horns of light) emanating from His hand. It is within this description of overwhelming divine splendor that חֶבְיוֹן appears: "and there was the hiding of his power" (וְשָׁם חֶבְיוֹן עֻזּוֹ). This phrase suggests that even amidst the brilliant display of God's power, there remains an element of hiddenness or unrevealed strength. It implies that the visible manifestation, though glorious, is but a glimpse of a far vaster, concealed reservoir of divine might. The "hiding" (חֶבְיוֹן) could refer to a place from which His power originates, or it could signify that His power, even when revealed, is so immense that much of it remains veiled, beyond human comprehension or perception. It speaks to the paradoxical nature of God's revelation: He reveals Himself, yet remains ultimately transcendent and mysterious.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for H2253 (חֶבְיוֹן) is its root verb, H2247 (חָבָה), which consistently denotes the act of hiding or being hidden (e.g., [[Genesis 3:8]], [[Psalm 32:7]]). Other Hebrew terms that convey similar concepts of concealment, secrecy, or refuge include:
* H5643 (סֵתֶר, seter): Often translated as "hiding place," "secret place," or "covering." It frequently refers to God as a refuge or a place of divine protection (e.g., [[Psalm 32:7]], [[Psalm 91:1]]).
* H6845 (צָפַן, tsaphan): Meaning "to hide," "to store up," or "to treasure." It can refer to hidden treasures, hidden wisdom, or God's hidden counsel (e.g., [[Psalm 27:5]], [[Proverbs 2:7]]).
* H4568 (מִסְתָּר, mistar): Another noun derived from H5643, also meaning "hiding place" or "secret place" (e.g., [[Isaiah 45:19]]).
The concept of divine hiddenness or the veiled nature of God's glory is a recurring theme in biblical theology. While God reveals Himself in mighty acts and through His Word, there is always an aspect of His being that remains beyond full human apprehension, a "hiding" of His ultimate power and wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of H2253 (חֶבְיוֹן) in [[Habakkuk 3:4]] carries significant theological weight, particularly in understanding the nature of divine power and revelation. It posits that even when God manifests His glory in overwhelming light and power, there is an inherent "hiding" or a "hidden place" of His strength. This suggests several profound truths:
1. **Divine Transcendence and Mystery**: God's power is so vast and infinite that it cannot be fully displayed or comprehended by finite beings. The visible manifestation is only a fraction of His total might, with the greater part remaining "hidden." This underscores God's transcendence and the inherent mystery surrounding His being.
2. **Sovereign Control**: The "hiding of His power" implies that God retains full control over the extent and manner of His revelation. He chooses what to reveal and what to keep veiled, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty.
3. **Awe and Reverence**: The idea of a hidden, inexhaustible source of power evokes profound awe and reverence. It reminds humanity that God is ultimately unfathomable, inspiring humility and worship in the face of His majestic hiddenness.
4. **Purposeful Concealment**: This "hiding" is not a lack but a fullness. It suggests that God's full power, if completely unleashed or revealed, might be too overwhelming for creation. Thus, the "hiding" can be seen as a merciful tempering of His glory, allowing for interaction and survival.
In essence, חֶבְיוֹן in Habakkuk's vision points to the reality that God's glory, while radiant, also possesses an unrevealed depth, ensuring that even in revelation, He remains the incomparable, mysterious, and infinitely powerful Lord.
### Summary
H2253 (חֶבְיוֹן, chebyôwn) is a rare Hebrew noun, appearing solely in [[Habakkuk 3:4]], derived from the verb H2247 (חָבָה) meaning "to hide." It signifies "a concealment" or "a hiding place." In its unique biblical context, it describes the "hiding of God's power" amidst a dazzling divine manifestation. This singular usage profoundly shapes its theological significance, pointing to the transcendent and mysterious nature of God's infinite power. It suggests that even in His glorious revelation, much of His strength remains veiled, underscoring His sovereignty, inspiring awe, and reminding humanity of the unfathomable depths of the divine being. The word thus contributes to a nuanced understanding of God's self-disclosure, where revelation and hiddenness coexist within His majestic presence.
TRV