### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chôwb**, represented by `{{H2326}}`, refers to a **debt** or **debtor**. A highly specific term, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entire Bible, anchoring its meaning to a distinct context of social justice and righteousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H2326}}` is found in a description of a just and righteous person. In [[Ezekiel 18:7]], this individual is characterized by actions that stand in contrast to wickedness, such as having "restored to the **debtor** his pledge." This act is listed alongside other righteous deeds like not oppressing others, giving bread to the hungry, and clothing the naked, placing the proper treatment of a **debtor** as a key indicator of a moral life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2326}}` is illuminated by several related words from its single verse of use:
* `{{H2258}}` **chăbôl** (pledge): This refers to "a pawn (as security for debt)." It is the item that a righteous person restores to the debtor, highlighting a specific, tangible act of justice [[Ezekiel 18:7]].
* `{{H7725}}` **shûwb** (restore): This verb means "to turn back" or "restore." It describes the positive action taken toward the debtor concerning their pledge, forming the core of the righteous behavior mentioned [[Ezekiel 18:7]].
* `{{H3238}}` **yânâh** (oppressed): Defined as to "suppress" or "maltreat," this word is used in the same verse to describe the opposite behavior. A just person does *not* oppress anyone, including the debtor [[Ezekiel 18:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2326}}` is derived entirely from its specific placement within a list of righteous behaviors.
* **Economic Justice:** The word is central to the principle that righteousness involves fair economic dealings. Restoring a pledge to a **debtor** is shown as a fundamental aspect of a just life, directly contrasted with spoiling by violence (`{{H1497}}`, `{{H1500}}`) [[Ezekiel 18:7]].
* **Tangible Righteousness:** The treatment of the **debtor** is part of a larger pattern of concrete, physical acts of compassion. It is not an abstract concept but is demonstrated by feeding the hungry `{{H7457}}` with bread `{{H3899}}` and covering the naked `{{H5903}}` with a garment `{{H899}}` [[Ezekiel 18:7]].
* **Individual Accountability:** Its appearance in Ezekiel 18 frames the treatment of a **debtor** as a measure of an individual's personal righteousness before God, a theme reinforced by parallel descriptions of the wicked person's actions [[Ezekiel 18:12]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H2326}}` is an exceptionally rare word, its sole appearance in [[Ezekiel 18:7]] gives it a powerful and clear meaning. It moves beyond a simple financial definition of "debtor" to represent a person to whom a moral and righteous duty is owed. The word illustrates how compassionate and just conduct in financial matters is an essential component and a clear sign of a life that is pleasing to God.
TRV