חַבְרָה (chav.rah)
chav.rah
associate
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun chavrah denotes a close associate, fellow, or companion. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Daniel 7:20, where it describes the small horn’s speech against the saints. The term is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew chaver, sharing the same root meaning of social connection and fellowship.
In this single occurrence, the word highlights the personal nature of the conflict. The figure speaks arrogantly against the "companions" or fellow believers, emphasizing a relational breach rather than just a political one. This usage underscores how spiritual opposition often targets community bonds.
Translators typically render chavrah as "fellow" in this context, preserving the sense of peer relationship. The rarity of the word in Scripture makes its appearance in Daniel particularly significant, marking a specific instance of intra-community hostility within an apocalyptic vision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chavrah points to the deep bonds of fellowship we share with other believers. In Daniel 7:20, it describes the companions of the saints who face opposition from a powerful figure. This shows that spiritual conflict is not just abstract but personal, targeting the relationships God has woven into our lives.
When enemies attack your circle of faith, they aim to isolate you. Yet this verse reminds us that your identity is tied to these holy associations. The struggle for community reflects the larger spiritual battle, inviting you to stand firm in love with those who walk alongside you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- companion/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חַבְרָתַֽ/הּ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 7:20
and concerning the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, whose look was more stout than its fellows.
This verse uses the term to describe the fellow believers targeted by the arrogant horn, highlighting the personal nature of spiritual opposition against community bonds.