חָבַק (cha.vaq)

cha.vaq

to embrace

H2263 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 12 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 12 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb chavaq means to clasp or hold tightly, most often describing a physical embrace. It appears twelve times in the Old Testament, with notable uses in Genesis, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. In Genesis 48:10, Jacob embraces his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, showing affection despite his failing eyesight. This concrete action highlights the word’s primary sense of holding someone close.

Interestingly, the same root also carries a figurative meaning in Ecclesiastes 4:5: "The fool folds its hands and eats its own flesh." Here, chavaq describes folding one’s hands in idleness or laziness. This secondary usage suggests that closing one’s arms can signify not just affection, but also withdrawal from work or engagement.

Translators render chavaq as “embrace,” “clasp,” or sometimes “fold” depending on context. The word does not appear in the New Testament, but its imagery of holding close resonates throughout Scripture’s treatment of family, care, and human connection.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chavaq describes a physical act of holding someone close, whether in warm affection or desperate need. In Genesis 33:4, Esau runs to meet Jacob and embraces him, turning years of estrangement into a moment of reconciliation. This simple gesture shows that closeness can heal old wounds. It reminds us that reaching out to others is often the first step toward peace.

Yet the word also carries a warning. In Ecclesiastes 4:5, the fool folds his hands and ruins himself. Here, embracing one’s own idleness leads to destruction. The same action—closing one’s arms—can mean either welcoming another person or shutting oneself off from the world. We are invited to choose connection over isolation.

In daily life, this word calls us to be present with those around us. A hug, a hand on a shoulder, or simply sitting with someone in silence can speak louder than words. God designed human touch to convey care and solidarity. When we embrace others, we reflect His love in tangible ways.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.

it embraces/ me2×
and/ he embraced2×
you will embrace/ her1×
to/ embrace1×
they have embraced1×
they embrace1×
from/ embracing1×
and/ he embraced/ him1×
[will be] embracing1×
[is] folding1×
<so>/ may you embrace?1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

תְּחַבְּקֵֽ/נִי\׃2×
תְחַבְּקֶֽ/נָּה\׃1×
מֵ/חַבֵּֽק\׃1×
לַ/חֲב֔וֹק1×
חֹבֶ֣קֶת1×
חֹבֵ֣ק1×
חִבְּקוּ\־1×
חִבְּק֖וּ1×
וַֽ/יְחַבְּקֵ֔/הוּ1×
וּ֝/תְחַבֵּ֗ק1×
וַ/יְחַבֶּק\־1×
וַ/יְחַבֵּ֥ק1×

Key Verses

Genesis 33:4
Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.

This verse shows chavaq as an active gesture of reconciliation that breaks the cycle of past conflict between brothers.
Ecclesiastes 4:5
The fool folds his hands together and ruins himself.

Here the word shifts to describe self-absorption, where folding one’s hands in idleness leads to personal ruin.
Song of Solomon 2:6
His left hand is under my head. His right hand embraces me.

The embrace here symbolizes mutual intimacy and protection within a loving relationship.
Job 24:8
They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter.

This unusual usage shows people embracing rocks for shelter, highlighting the word’s sense of clinging to whatever provides safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word chavaq mean?

Chavaq primarily means to embrace, clasp, or hold tightly. It describes physical closeness, whether in affection, as seen when Esau embraces Jacob, or in desperation, like those clinging to rocks for shelter.

Is chavaq used metaphorically in the Bible?

Yes. In Ecclesiastes 4:5, it describes a fool who folds his hands and ruins himself. This usage suggests that embracing idleness or self-absorption can lead to harm, contrasting with the positive act of connecting with others.

How is chavaq different from other words for holding?

While other Hebrew words might mean simply to hold or grasp, chavaq often implies a tighter, more personal contact. It is frequently used for embraces between people, emphasizing relational closeness rather than just physical grip.

Why does Ecclesiastes use this word for the fool?

The text uses chavaq to describe the fool folding his hands in laziness. This ironic twist shows that the same action of closing one’s arms can signify either welcoming another person or shutting oneself off from work and community.

Every Occurrence (12 verses across 7 books)

Genesis 3 verses

Genesis 29:13

When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and…

Genesis 33:4

Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.

Genesis 48:10

Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed…

II Kings 1 verse

Job 1 verse

Proverbs 2 verses

Ecclesiastes 2 verses

Song of Solomon 2 verses

Lamentations 1 verse