(Aramaic) corresponding to חָבַל; to ruin; destroy, hurt.
Transliteration:chăbal
Pronunciation:khab-al'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H2255}}` (חֲבַל, *chăbal*) corresponds directly to the Hebrew `{{H2254}}` (חָבַל), carrying the primary sense of "to ruin," "to destroy," or "to hurt." Its semantic range extends beyond mere physical damage to encompass the bringing to naught, causing significant detriment, or rendering something useless or ineffective. It implies a definitive act of causing cessation or severe impairment. The word often describes an active, deliberate process of undoing or breaking down.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H2255}}` appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
1. **[[Daniel 2:44]]**: "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."
* Here, chăbal describes the actions of God's eternal kingdom. The divine kingdom will "break in pieces and consume" (or "destroy" / "bring to an end") all preceding earthly kingdoms. The emphasis is on the decisive and ultimate destruction of human political powers by divine sovereignty, paving the way for an everlasting kingdom. The use of chăbal here underscores the absolute and final nature of this divine act of judgment and transformation.
2. **[[Ezra 4:15]]**: "that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed."
* In this context, chăbal is used to describe Jerusalem as "hurtful" or "damaging" to kings and provinces. It highlights the city's historical tendency toward rebellion, which consistently caused trouble and detriment to governing authorities. The word here signifies the negative impact and destructive potential of insubordination.
3. **[[Ezra 4:22]]**: "And take heed that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?"
* Here, chăbal refers to the "damage" or "detriment" that would accrue to the kings if the rebuilding of Jerusalem were allowed to continue. The concern is that the city's reconstruction would lead to increased rebellion and subsequent harm to the royal treasury and authority. It underscores the potential for ruinous consequences stemming from unchecked opposition.
Across these occurrences, `{{H2255}}` consistently denotes an active process of bringing about ruin, destruction, or significant harm, whether by divine decree (Daniel) or as a consequence of human actions (Ezra).
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is the Hebrew verb `{{H2254}}` (חָבַל), which shares the same root and primary meanings of "to ruin," "destroy," or "deal corruptly." While `{{H2254}}` can also mean "to bind" (as in taking a pledge), the Aramaic `{{H2255}}` consistently maintains the sense of causing harm or destruction.
Other related concepts and words in Aramaic and Hebrew that express aspects of destruction or breaking include:
* `{{H5422}}` (נָתַץ, *natats*): to tear down, break down, demolish.
* `{{H5307}}` (נָפַץ, *naphats*): to shatter, break in pieces.
* `{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, *shavar*): to break, shatter, crush.
* `{{H6567}}` (פָּרַץ, *parats*): to break through, break out.
* `{{H3988}}` (מָאַס, *ma'as*): to reject, despise, often leading to ruin or destruction.
Conceptually, `{{H2255}}` is tied to themes of divine judgment, the consequences of human rebellion, the transience of earthly power, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2255}}` primarily revolves around:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Eschatological Triumph:** The use of chăbal in [[Daniel 2:44]] is profoundly significant. It portrays God's kingdom not merely as succeeding earthly empires, but as actively "destroying" or "bringing to an end" all that opposes it. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate power to dismantle human systems and establish His eternal reign. It speaks to the eschatological hope of a kingdom that will never be ruined, in contrast to all human constructs.
2. **Consequences of Rebellion and Opposition:** In Ezra, chăbal illustrates the detrimental effects of human rebellion against established (even if secular) authority. The city of Jerusalem is described as "hurtful" and its rebuilding as potentially causing "damage" to kings. This underscores a biblical principle that opposition to divinely ordained order or authority can lead to ruinous consequences, not only for those in rebellion but also for those affected by it.
3. **The Fragility of Earthly Powers:** The word implicitly contrasts the ephemeral nature of human kingdoms and endeavors with the enduring nature of God's plan. What humans build can be "ruined" or "destroyed," whether by divine intervention or by the natural consequences of sin and rebellion. This serves as a reminder of the need to place ultimate trust not in human strength or political structures, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H2255}}` (חֲבַל, *chăbal*) denotes the act of "to ruin," "to destroy," or "to hurt." Its use in the biblical text, particularly in Daniel and Ezra, reveals its theological weight. In Daniel, it powerfully describes the divine kingdom's decisive and irreversible destruction of all earthly powers, underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty and the everlasting nature of His reign. In Ezra, it highlights the "hurtful" and "damaging" consequences of human rebellion against authority. Together, these occurrences paint a picture of a word that signifies the ultimate end or severe detriment brought about by divine decree or as a direct result of human opposition, contrasting the fragility of human endeavors with the enduring power of God's purposes.
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