### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **chăbal**, represented by `{{H2257}}`, refers to **harm (personal or pecuniary); damage, hurt**. It is a specific term, appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage centers on the concept of injury or loss, whether physical or material.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2257}}` is used to describe outcomes of faithfulness and political maneuvering. In the book of Daniel, it highlights divine protection. The men in the fiery furnace have "no **hurt**" [[Daniel 3:25]], and similarly, after being saved from the lions' den, "no manner of **hurt** was found upon" Daniel [[Daniel 6:23]]. In contrast, Ezra uses the term in a political context, where officials warn against rebuilding Jerusalem, asking, "why should **damage** grow to the hurt of the kings?" [[Ezra 4:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words provide a fuller context for the types of harm described:
* `{{H5135}}` **nûwr** (fire; fiery, fire.): This word is directly associated with the context of `{{H2257}}` in Daniel's account of the fiery furnace. The narrative emphasizes that the men walked in the midst of the **fire** [[Daniel 3:25]] yet suffered no harm.
* `{{H5142}}` **nᵉzaq** (to suffer (causatively, inflict) loss; have (en-) damage, hurt(-ful).): This term is used in parallel with `{{H2257}}` to describe potential loss to the monarchy. In Ezra, the concern is that allowing the city to be rebuilt will lead to **damage** `{{H2257}}` that grows "to the **hurt** of the kings" [[Ezra 4:22]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2257}}` lies in its application in different spheres of conflict.
* **Divine Deliverance:** The word's absence is a testament to God's power. In Daniel, those who are faithful to God are miraculously delivered from situations intended to cause them physical **hurt** [[Daniel 3:25]]. Daniel's preservation is explicitly linked to his faith: "no manner of **hurt** was found upon him, because he believed in his God" [[Daniel 6:23]].
* **Worldly & Political Concerns:** In Ezra, the word shifts from physical preservation to material and political liability. The potential for **damage** `{{H2257}}` is presented as a reason for kings to fear the rebuilding of Jerusalem, framing it as a financial and strategic threat [[Ezra 4:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2257}}` **chăbal** encapsulates the idea of detrimental harm. Though rare, its usage provides a sharp contrast between the concerns of earthly kingdoms—who fear financial and political **damage**—and the power of God, who shields his faithful followers from physical **hurt** even in the most perilous circumstances. The word illustrates how the concept of harm is viewed differently from human and divine perspectives.
TRV