by reduplication from חָבַק; embrace; Chabakkuk, the prophet; Habakkuk.
Transliteration:Chăbaqqûwq
Pronunciation:khab-ak-kook'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma חֲבַקּוּק (Chăbaqqûwq), Strong's `{{H2265}}`, is the proper name of the prophet Habakkuk. Its base definition is "by reduplication from חָבַק (chabaq); embrace." The root חָבַק `{{H2263}}` means "to embrace," often in a physical sense, but also metaphorically. The reduplicated form in חֲבַקּוּק intensifies this meaning, suggesting a sustained, fervent, or repeated act of embracing.
Possible semantic nuances of the name include:
* "Embrace" or "one who embraces," implying a close, intimate connection.
* "Cling" or "hold fast," conveying steadfastness and perseverance.
* Some interpretations suggest a "wrestling embrace," reflecting the prophet's dialogue and struggle with God's justice.
* Less common theories connect it to an Akkadian word for a specific plant, but the Hebrew root חָבַק is the most direct and widely accepted linguistic basis. The name powerfully foreshadows the prophet's spiritual journey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חֲבַקּוּק (Chăbaqqûwq) occurs exclusively as the name of the prophet Habakkuk, the author of the biblical book bearing his name. It appears five times in the Masoretic Text, all within the book of Habakkuk:
* [[Habakkuk 1:1]]: "The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw." This verse serves as the superscription, identifying the recipient of the divine revelation.
* [[Habakkuk 3:1]]: "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth." This introduces the concluding prayer or psalm, a profound expression of faith and worship.
The context of the book of Habakkuk is a profound theological dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk "embraces" or grapples with deep questions concerning divine justice:
1. He laments the rampant wickedness and injustice within Judah, questioning why God permits such evil to persist ([[Habakkuk 1:2-4]]).
2. God's response reveals His intention to raise up the even more ruthless Chaldeans (Babylonians) to punish Judah ([[Habakkuk 1:5-11]]).
3. Habakkuk then expresses his perplexity and dismay at God's plan to use a nation more wicked than Judah as an instrument of judgment ([[Habakkuk 1:12-2:1]]).
4. God's final revelation includes the pivotal declaration, "But the righteous shall live by his faith" ([[Habakkuk 2:4]]), followed by a series of woes against the unrighteous.
5. The book concludes with Habakkuk's prayer of unwavering faith and joy in God, despite impending devastation ([[Habakkuk 3:17-19]]).
The name חֲבַקּוּק itself can be seen as an allusion to this profound "embrace" of God's truth, even when it is perplexing and challenging. The prophet's journey from doubt to steadfast faith exemplifies a tenacious clinging to God's character and promises.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root חָבַק (chabaq) `{{H2263}}`**: The direct verbal root from which Habakkuk's name is derived. This root appears in various contexts:
* Physical embrace: [[Genesis 29:13]] describes Jacob embracing Rachel; [[Genesis 33:4]] depicts Esau embracing Jacob.
* Figurative embrace: [[Proverbs 5:20]] speaks of embracing a stranger's bosom, and [[Proverbs 6:10]] and [[Proverbs 24:33]] use it in the context of "embracing sleep" or "folding the hands" in idleness. The name Habakkuk suggests a spiritual embrace.
* **Concepts of Clinging/Holding Fast**: While not always directly related by root, the semantic nuance of "embracing" in Habakkuk's name resonates with other biblical concepts of steadfastness and devotion:
* דָּבַק (dabaq) `{{H1692}}`: Meaning "to cling, cleave," often used for covenant loyalty or personal devotion to God (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 10:20]], [[Psalm 63:8]]). This reflects the deep commitment implied by "embracing" God.
* אָמַן (aman) `{{H539}}`: Meaning "to be firm, trustworthy," which forms the basis for the noun אֱמוּנָה (emunah), "faith" or "faithfulness." This concept is central to [[Habakkuk 2:4]], where the righteous are called to live by their אֱמוּנָה. The prophet's "embrace" of God's word is an act of this very faith.
* **Prophetic Intercession and Wrestling**: Habakkuk's prophetic ministry, characterized by his bold questioning of God and subsequent reception of revelation, parallels other instances of prophetic "wrestling" with divine will or human suffering, such as Jeremiah's laments or Abraham's intercession for Sodom. The name חֲבַקּוּק thus captures the essence of a prophet who intimately engages with God's plan, even in its most challenging aspects.
### Theological Significance
The name חֲבַקּוּק (Chăbaqqûwq) itself carries profound theological weight, offering a lens through which to interpret the prophet's message and the nature of faith.
* **Embrace of Divine Sovereignty**: Habakkuk's journey culminates in a radical trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves suffering and the use of wicked instruments ([[Habakkuk 3:17-19]]). The name suggests that true faith involves a complete "embrace" of God's mysterious ways, acknowledging His ultimate control and goodness despite appearances. This models for believers how to navigate times of divine incomprehensibility.
* **Embrace of Faithfulness (אֱמוּנָה)**: The pivotal declaration in [[Habakkuk 2:4]], "the righteous shall live by his faith," is a cornerstone of biblical theology, quoted three times in the New Testament ([[Romans 1:17]], [[Galatians 3:11]], [[Hebrews 10:38]]). The prophet's own name, embodying an "embrace" or "clinging," powerfully prefigures this call to steadfast faith. It implies not merely intellectual assent but a tenacious, personal adherence to God and His promises, even when they seem delayed or contrary to human expectation.
* **The Prophet as Intercessor and Example**: The name can also be understood as God's embrace of His people through the prophet, or the prophet's embrace of his people's burdens and questions before God. Habakkuk serves as a mediator, bringing the people's perplexities and his own before the Divine, and then returning with God's profound answers. His concluding prayer in Chapter 3 is a sublime act of intercession and worship, demonstrating the ultimate "embrace" of God's character.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲבַקּוּק (Chăbaqqûwq), Strong's `{{H2265}}`, is the proper name of the prophet Habakkuk. Derived from the root חָבַק (chabaq) `{{H2263}}`, meaning "to embrace," the reduplicated form signifies an intensified or sustained act of embracing. This name is deeply significant, reflecting the prophet's intimate and often wrestling engagement with God's justice and sovereignty. It points to a profound "embrace" of divine truth, even amidst perplexing circumstances and the apparent triumph of wickedness. Habakkuk's journey, from questioning to a resolute declaration of faith, exemplifies a tenacious "clinging" to God's character and promises. The name חֲבַקּוּק thus encapsulates the central message of his prophecy: the righteous are called to live by an enduring "embrace" of faith (אֱמוּנָה), holding fast to the Lord regardless of external conditions. The prophet's very identity is therefore intrinsically linked to this act of steadfast devotion and reliance upon the Almighty.
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