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.
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.
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.
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.
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