חָבַק
cha.vaq
to embrace
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew verb "cha.vaq" (חָבַק) means to embrace, which is a physical act of wrapping one's arms around another person or object. It can also imply a strong emotional attachment, similar to an affectionate or tender hug. This action expresses intimacy, support, or comfort. Given its 13 occurrences in the Bible, "cha.vaq" is used in various contexts, likely highlighting the value of nurturing relationships, providing solace, or demonstrating love. The verb "cha.vaq" does not appear to connote a sense of restriction or confinement, as an embrace might imply. Instead, it emphasizes closeness and unity. When used in scripture, "cha.vaq" is a powerful metaphor for relationships between family members, friends, or between humans and God. This verb underscores the importance of physical touch, affection, and companionship in the human experience. The significance of "cha.vaq" lies in its depiction of genuine human connection and relationships. By conveying a sense of attachment and support, this verb encourages readers to prioritize the nurturing of their relationships and cultivate a culture of intimacy, compassion, and empathy.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
13 total occurrences across the text
They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter.
Proverbs 4:8Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
Proverbs 5:20For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?
Ecclesiastes 3:5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Ecclesiastes 3:5a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Ecclesiastes 4:5The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.
Song of Solomon 2:6His left hand is under my head. His right hand embraces me.
Song of Solomon 8:3His left hand would be under my head. His right hand would embrace me.
Lamentations 4:5Those who ate delicacies are desolate in the streets. Those who were brought up in purple embrace dunghills.
Genesis 29:13When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things.
Genesis 33:4Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
2 Kings 4:16He said, “At this season, when the time comes around, you will embrace a son.” She said, “No, my lord, you man of God, do not lie to your servant.”