חֲבֹל

# Hebrew Word Analysis: חֲבֹל (chabol) The Hebrew word *chabol* refers to a **pledge**—an object or item given as security or collateral in a transaction. Based on the limited data provided, this term appears in only three biblical occurrences, suggesting it represents a specific legal or commercial concept rather than a common everyday term. The rarity of this word (appearing just three times in the entire Bible) indicates that *chabol* likely addresses a particular aspect of ancient Israelite legal practice. As a pledge, it would have functioned within systems of debt, loan arrangements, or surety agreements, where a person might temporarily transfer possession of valuable property to secure an obligation. This reflects the economic realities of ancient societies where formal mechanisms existed to protect creditors while allowing debtors to borrow or establish trust. Without access to the specific biblical passages where *chabol* appears, its precise contexts and applications cannot be detailed here. However, the designation as a legal/economic term positions it within Israel's broader framework of property rights and contractual relationships—matters of clear concern throughout biblical legislation and narrative.