חַבּוּרָה (chab.bu.rah)
chab.bu.rah
wound
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chabburah refers to a visible mark left by injury, such as a stripe, bruise, or wound. It describes the physical evidence of a blow rather than the act of striking itself. The term appears five times in the Old Testament, primarily within Isaiah, Exodus, and Proverbs.
Its meaning is concrete and tactile. In Exodus 21:25, it is used in the lex talionis principle where the penalty for injury matches the mark inflicted. Similarly, Proverbs 20:30 uses these physical scars as a metaphor for cleansing away evil through severe discipline. The word captures the lasting impression of pain on the body.
Translators often render chabburah as "stripe" or "wound" depending on context. In Isaiah 1:6, it describes the deep marks left by wounds that have not been dressed or bandaged. This usage highlights the severity and neglect associated with the injury, emphasizing the raw reality of physical suffering in the text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chabburah points to the visible, lasting marks of injury. It is not about the moment of pain, but the evidence that remains after the blow has landed. In a world that often hides its scars, this term reminds us that wounds are real and tangible. They leave a mark on the body and the spirit.
For believers, this concept finds its deepest meaning in Isaiah 53:5. Here, the Messiah bears these specific marks for our healing. His wounds were not just physical pain; they were the price of peace. This shifts how we view suffering. It is no longer meaningless damage, but a pathway to restoration.
When we face hardship, we can look to this example. The scars left by trial are not signs of defeat. They are proof that God can bring life from brokenness. We do not need to hide our pain. Instead, we can trust that He uses even these deep marks to cleanse and heal us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wound2×
- wounds of1×
- for/ wound/ my1×
- and/ welt[s]1×
- and/ by/ wound[s]/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/חַבֻּרָתִֽ/י\׃1×
- חַבּוּרָֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- חַבּוּרָ֕ה1×
- חַבֻּר֣וֹת1×
- וּ/בַ/חֲבֻרָת֖/וֹ1×
- וְ/חַבּוּרָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.
This verse identifies the Messiah's wounds as the specific means by which spiritual healing and peace are achieved for others.
-
Exodus 21:25
burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.
The law requires a penalty that exactly matches the physical mark inflicted, establishing justice through proportional restitution.
-
Proverbs 20:30
Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.
Physical scars are used metaphorically to show how severe discipline can effectively cleanse moral corruption from within.