from חָבַק; a clasping of the hands (in idleness); fold.
Transliteration:chibbuq
Pronunciation:khib-book'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חִבֻּק (transliterated chibbuq, `{{H2264}}`) is derived from the verbal root חָבַק (chabaq, `{{H2263}}`), which means "to embrace," "to clasp," or "to fold." While the root itself can denote a neutral or even positive action (such as a loving embrace), chibbuq specifically carries the nuance of "a clasping of the hands" in the context of idleness or inactivity. Its base definition, "a clasping of the hands (in idleness); fold," points to a particular posture—the folding of hands—that serves as a physical representation of slothfulness or a lack of productive engagement. The semantic range of chibbuq is therefore quite narrow, focusing on this specific act as an idiom for laziness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חִבֻּק (chibbuq, `{{H2264}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Ecclesiastes 4:5]]. This singular occurrence, however, is highly significant and illustrative of its meaning:
> "The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh." [[Ecclesiastes 4:5]]
In this verse, the "folding of hands" (חִבֻּק יָדַיִם) is directly attributed to "the fool" (כְּסִיל, `{{H3684}}`). The consequence of this idleness is severe: the fool "consumes his own flesh," a vivid and grim metaphor for self-destruction, ruin, or starvation due to a lack of effort. The context within Ecclesiastes, a book that often explores the meaning and futility of human endeavor, uses this image to contrast productive labor and wisdom with the destructive nature of sloth. The passage immediately preceding this verse discusses the "toil and skill" that lead to envy, suggesting a broader reflection on the struggles and rewards of work. The fool's chibbuq stands in stark opposition to any form of meaningful engagement, leading only to personal decay.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root חָבַק (chabaq, `{{H2263}}`), from which chibbuq is derived. While chibbuq specifically denotes idleness, chabaq can describe an embrace of affection (e.g., [[Genesis 29:13]], [[Genesis 33:4]]) or the act of clasping in a more neutral sense. This illustrates how a nominal form can narrow and specialize the meaning of its root.
Conceptually, chibbuq stands in stark contrast to diligence, industry, and productive labor, which are consistently praised throughout biblical wisdom literature. It is closely associated with the Hebrew terms for "sloth" or "laziness," such as עָצֵל ('atsel, `{{H6102}}`). The imagery of "folding hands" as a sign of idleness is echoed in other wisdom texts, particularly in the book of Proverbs, even if different Hebrew words are used. For example, [[Proverbs 6:10]] and [[Proverbs 24:33]] use the phrase "a little folding of the hands to rest" (מְעַט חִבּוּק יָדַיִם) in a context that warns against the consequences of such behavior, leading to poverty. While the specific noun chibbuq (`{{H2264}}`) appears only once, the *concept* it represents is a pervasive theme in the Old Testament's ethical teachings.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of חִבֻּק (chibbuq, `{{H2264}}`) in [[Ecclesiastes 4:5]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a strong condemnation of idleness, aligning with a consistent biblical emphasis on the value of work and diligence. From the divine mandate for humanity to "work and keep" the garden in [[Genesis 2:15]], to the numerous proverbs extolling the virtues of the diligent and warning against the sluggard, the biblical worldview unequivocally rejects passivity and sloth.
The association of chibbuq with "the fool" (כְּסִיל, `{{H3684}}`) highlights that idleness is not merely a practical failing but a moral and intellectual one. It is presented as antithetical to wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`), which often involves diligent application and prudent action. The consequence—"consumes his own flesh"—underscores the self-destructive nature of such inaction. Theologically, this suggests that a life characterized by chibbuq is a life that fails to embrace God's design for human flourishing, which includes purposeful labor and responsible stewardship of one's abilities and resources. It is a warning against spiritual and physical atrophy resulting from a lack of engagement with the responsibilities of life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חִבֻּק (chibbuq, `{{H2264}}`) is a rare but potent term, appearing only once in the Old Testament in [[Ecclesiastes 4:5]]. Derived from the root חָבַק (chabaq, `{{H2263}}`), it specifically denotes the "folding of hands" as an idiom for idleness or sloth. In its sole biblical context, it is powerfully linked to "the fool" and the dire consequence of "consuming his own flesh," vividly illustrating self-inflicted ruin. This single occurrence encapsulates a broader and consistent biblical teaching found throughout Wisdom Literature: that diligence and purposeful labor are virtues, while idleness is a destructive vice leading to poverty and personal decay. Chibbuq thus serves as a stark symbolic representation of unproductive passivity and its profound negative implications for human well-being and spiritual integrity.
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