חֲבַר (cha.var)
cha.var
fellow
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun ḥăḇar denotes a close associate, comrade, or fellow. Occurring six times in the Hebrew Bible, it appears primarily in the books of Daniel, Proverbs, and Hosea. The term describes a person who shares a bond with another, whether through kinship, work, or mutual agreement.
It functions as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ḥāḇēr (H2270). In Daniel 4:18, King Nebuchadnezzar uses it to describe his magicians and astrologers as companions who share in the interpretation of a dream. This usage highlights a professional or intellectual partnership.
In Proverbs 27:9, the word describes the pleasantness of sincere advice from a friend. The text suggests that such counsel is sweet to the soul, much like perfume and incense. The term emphasizes the relational closeness inherent in these interactions.
Translators typically render ḥăḇar as "fellow," "companion," or "friend" depending on context. In Hosea 6:10, it refers to a band of priests who committed a crime together, showing the word can apply to negative alliances as well as positive friendships.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'fellow' or 'companion' points to the deep bonds we form with others. In Daniel, it describes those who stand together in prayer and seeking God's wisdom. This reminds us that faith is often strengthened when we share our burdens with trusted friends.
Yet the Bible also warns about the company we keep. Hosea shows how even religious leaders can become a 'fellow' group in sin, leading them astray. Proverbs contrasts this by highlighting the value of good counsel over difficult living situations. It is not just about who is near us, but what we share together.
Choosing your companions wisely is a practical step toward a faithful life. Seek those who encourage you to seek God, rather than those who pull you toward compromise. True fellowship brings peace and clarity in times of confusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- association2×
- and/ companions/ his2×
- companions/ his1×
- an association of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָֽבֶר\׃2×
- חַבְר֖וֹ/הִי1×
- חֶ֚בֶר1×
- וְ/חַבְר֖וֹ/הִי1×
- וְ/חַבְר֔וֹ/הִי1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:17
Then Daniel went to his house and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
Daniel calls his friends 'companions,' showing that shared faith and prayer are central to their bond.
-
Daniel 2:18
that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions would not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.
The companions join Daniel in seeking mercy from God, highlighting unity in spiritual dependence.
-
Hosea 6:9
As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man, so the company of priests murder on the path toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes.
The term describes a 'company' of priests who commit crimes together, illustrating how fellowship can be misused for evil.