### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chibbuq**, represented by `{{H2264}}`, refers to a **clasping of the hands** or a **fold**. Its definition specifies that this action is associated with idleness. This term is highly specific, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** within the Bible, both in the book of Proverbs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H2264}}` is identical in both of its appearances, found in a recurring warning. In both [[Proverbs 6:10]] and [[Proverbs 24:33]], it is part of the phrase, "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little **folding** of the hands to sleep." In this context, the physical act of clasping the hands is directly linked with sleep and slumber, serving as a clear illustration of rest and inaction.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its immediate context clarify the meaning of `{{H2264}}`:
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): This is the object being folded. While `{{H2264}}` describes inactive hands, **yâd** is often used to denote power and action, such as in the command to not "withhold not thine **hand**" from work [[Ecclesiastes 11:6]].
* `{{H4592}}` **mᵉʻaṭ** (a little or few): This word precedes **folding** in both verses, emphasizing the incremental nature of the inaction. It describes a gradual giving in to rest, as also seen in the phrase "For yet a **little** while, and the wicked shall not be" [[Psalms 37:10]].
* `{{H8142}}` **shênâh** (sleep): This is the state explicitly associated with the "folding of the hands." The act of `{{H2264}}` is a precursor to or a component of achieving **sleep**, a state that is elsewhere warned against in excess [[Proverbs 20:13]].
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down... to sleep): This word concludes the phrase in both verses, defining the ultimate purpose of the "folding of the hands." The action is done in order **to sleep**.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H2264}}` is focused on its role as a symbol for idleness.
* **A Posture of Inactivity:** The "folding of the hands" is presented as the definitive physical posture of someone choosing rest over activity. It is the action one takes to settle into sleep and slumber ([[Proverbs 6:10]], [[Proverbs 24:33]]).
* **Incremental Rest:** The phrase "a little" `{{H4592}}` is repeated for sleep, slumber, and the folding of hands. This repetition highlights that the state of idleness described is not a single event but a cumulative result of small, repeated choices for inaction.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2264}}` **chibbuq** provides a vivid and concrete image for the concept of idleness. Though used rarely, its appearance in Proverbs is powerful, illustrating the physical act of the "folding of the hands" as a key step toward sleep and a state of inaction. It demonstrates how scripture can use a specific, observable gesture to represent a broader principle of human behavior.
TRV