### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word חַבְרָה (chabrâh, `{{H2273}}`) is derived from the root ח-ב-ר, which broadly signifies joining, uniting, or associating. Specifically, chabrâh is identified as the feminine form of חֲבַר (chabar, `{{H2272}}`), meaning "associate," "companion," or "fellow." Thus, its core meaning leans towards a female associate or, more generally, "another" or "one another" when used in a relational or comparative context. The semantic range extends from a direct companion to a distinct entity or party, emphasizing relationship or differentiation within a given set.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The lemma חַבְרָה (chabrâh, `{{H2273}}`) is a rare term in the biblical corpus, appearing only once in the Aramaic portions of Daniel. Its sole "occurrence" is found in [[Daniel 2:43]], where it is understood idiomatically within the phrase דָּא עִם־דָּא (da im da), meaning "this with this" or "one with another." The verse describes the nature of the final kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's dream: "And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay."
In this context, while the explicit written word is דָּא (da, `{{H1791}}`), lexicons and concordances associate the second דָּא in the idiomatic construction דָּא עִם־דָּא with the meaning of חַבְרָה – namely, "another" or "the other party." The phrase underscores a profound lack of cohesion and inherent instability. Despite attempts at intermingling or alliance ("mingle themselves with the seed of men"), the constituent parts of this kingdom will fundamentally fail to unite or adhere, much like iron cannot truly integrate with clay. This prophetic utterance highlights a deep, internal division that renders the entity weak and ultimately unsustainable.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to חַבְרָה (`{{H2273}}`) is its masculine counterpart, חֲבַר (chabar, `{{H2272}}`), meaning "associate" or "companion." This Aramaic term shares a common Semitic root with the Hebrew חָבֵר (chaber, `{{H2270}}`), which also denotes a "companion," "friend," or "associate." The broader root ח-ב-ר consistently carries the semantic weight of joining, binding, or associating.
Concepts related to chabrâh thus include:
* **Companionship/Association:** The fundamental idea of being together or connected.
* **Unity/Disunity:** In the context of [[Daniel 2:43]], the word points to a failure of unity, an inability to cohere.
* **Otherness/Distinctness:** The sense of "another" implies differentiation, where distinct entities are present.
* **Cohesion/Adherence:** The literal meaning of "cleaving" in [[Daniel 2:43]] directly relates to the concept of parts sticking together.
### Theological Significance
The singular, idiomatic use of חַבְרָה (`{{H2273}}`) in [[Daniel 2:43]] carries profound theological weight within the prophetic vision of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The inability of the iron and clay to "cleave one to another" serves as a powerful metaphor for the inherent fragility and ultimate failure of human kingdoms that attempt to forge unity apart from divine principles. This prophetic insight reveals that no matter how powerful or seemingly unified worldly empires may appear, their internal divisions and lack of true cohesion will inevitably lead to their downfall.
From a theological perspective, this stands in stark contrast to the divine model of unity. The Kingdom of God, in contrast, is characterized by a unity that is divinely ordained and Spirit-empowered, as seen in the body of Christ (e.g., [[Ephesians 4:3]], [[Colossians 3:14]]). The fragmented nature symbolized by chabrâh in [[Daniel 2:43]] underscores the futility of human efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability through mere political or military alliances, without a foundation in righteousness and divine order. It serves as a stark reminder that true and enduring unity is a gift from God, not a construct of human will alone.
### Summary
חַבְרָה (chabrâh, `{{H2273}}`) is an Aramaic term, the feminine of חֲבַר (`{{H2272}}`), signifying "an associate" or, more broadly, "another." Its unique biblical appearance is in the idiomatic phrase דָּא עִם־דָּא ("one with another") in [[Daniel 2:43]]. This passage prophetically describes the inherent disunity and lack of cohesion within the final earthly kingdom, which, despite attempts to mingle, will ultimately fail to cleave together. The word therefore highlights the fragility of human constructs lacking true internal unity, providing a theological contrast to the divinely ordained and lasting unity found in God's eternal Kingdom.
TRV