### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun חֶבְרָה (chebrâh, `{{H2274}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2266}}`), which signifies "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together." As such, its core meaning revolves around the concept of "association" or "company." It denotes a state of being joined with others, forming a group or fellowship. Unlike its masculine counterpart, חֶבֶר (cheber, `{{H2273}}`), which can also carry connotations of "charm" or "sorcery" due to the idea of "binding" spells, חֶבְרָה (chebrâh) primarily retains the social aspect of connection and companionship. Its semantic range is narrow, focusing specifically on the collective body of individuals with whom one associates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun חֶבְרָה (chebrâ, `{{H2274}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its contextual analysis particularly focused.
* **[[Job 34:8]]**: "He goes in company with evildoers and walks with wicked men." (כִּי־אָמַר לֹא־יִסְכַּן־גֶּבֶר עִם־אֱלֹהִים וְחֶבְרָה עִם־אַנְשֵׁי אָוֶן)
In this verse, Elihu, one of Job's friends, critiques Job's words and attitude. He suggests that Job's questioning of God's justice aligns him with "men of iniquity" (אַנְשֵׁי אָוֶן). The phrase "וְחֶבְרָה עִם־אַנְשֵׁי אָוֶן" (vechebrâh im-anshey aven) literally translates to "and company with men of iniquity." Here, חֶבְרָה (chebrâh) clearly denotes the *association* or *fellowship* that Job is perceived to maintain with those who are wicked. The context is accusatory, implying that Job's perspective is akin to, or influenced by, those who reject divine righteousness. It highlights the detrimental nature of such companionship and the implications it carries for one's character and standing before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb חָבַר (chabar, `{{H2266}}`), meaning "to join," "to unite," "to bind." This root forms the conceptual foundation for חֶבְרָה (chebrâh). Other related terms include:
* **חֶבֶר (cheber, `{{H2273}}`)**: The masculine form, which also means "company" or "fellowship," but can extend to "charm" or "incantation" (e.g., [[Psalm 58:5]], [[Isaiah 47:9]]).
* **רֵעַ (reaʿ, `{{H7453}}`)**: "Friend," "companion," "neighbor," emphasizing an individual relationship rather than a collective group.
* **רָעָה (raʿa, `{{H7462}}`)**: The verb "to associate with," "to befriend," or "to shepherd," often used in the context of choosing one's companions.
* **עֵדָה (edah, `{{H5712}}`)**: "Congregation," "assembly," or "community," a more formal or structured gathering.
* **קָהָל (qahal, `{{H6951}}`)**: "Assembly," "congregation," or "multitude," often referring to a summoned group.
While חֶבְרָה (chebrâh) is specific to the act or state of associating, these related terms provide a broader understanding of biblical concepts of community, companionship, and the nature of social bonds.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of חֶבְרָה (chebrâh) in [[Job 34:8]] is profound. It underscores a consistent biblical theme: the critical importance of one's associations.
1. **Influence of Companionship**: The accusation against Job highlights the belief that the company one keeps reflects, and can shape, one's character and beliefs. Elihu implies that Job's words align him with "men of iniquity," suggesting that such association is morally compromising. This resonates with the wisdom literature's frequent warnings against bad company ([[Proverbs 13:20]], [[Proverbs 28:7]]).
2. **Spiritual Purity**: The term's use in a negative context serves as a cautionary tale. For the righteous, maintaining spiritual purity often necessitates discernment in choosing one's "company" (חֶבְרָה). Association with the wicked can lead to moral corruption, compromise of faith, and alienation from God's ways.
3. **Accountability**: The verse subtly suggests a form of accountability for one's chosen associations. While Job may not have literally "walked with" wicked men, his perceived intellectual or spiritual alignment with their sentiments was enough to draw Elihu's rebuke. This points to the idea that our affiliations, even conceptual ones, bear spiritual weight.
4. **Divine Perspective on Relationship**: God, being holy, calls His people to holiness. Therefore, the nature of our "company" (חֶבְרָה) is not a neutral matter but one that impacts our relationship with the divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֶבְרָה (chebrâh, `{{H2274}}`) signifies "association" or "company," deriving from the root meaning "to join" or "to unite." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Job 34:8]] is highly instructive, where it describes Job's perceived "company with evildoers." This singular usage powerfully conveys the biblical emphasis on the profound influence of one's chosen associations. Theologically, חֶבְרָה (chebrâh) serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual implications of companionship, underscoring the necessity of discerning relationships to maintain moral integrity and alignment with divine principles. It implicitly warns against the corrupting power of ungodly associations, reinforcing the broader biblical call to righteous living and careful discernment in all social bonds.
TRV