חֲבֶ֫רֶת (cha.ve.ret)
cha.ve.ret
consort
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun chaveret refers to a companion or partner, specifically designating a wife or consort in the context of marriage. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Malachi 2:14, where it serves as the object of a solemn accusation regarding marital unfaithfulness.
Its meaning is rooted in the idea of association or connection, highlighting the intimate bond between spouses. In this single instance, the prophet uses the term to emphasize the seriousness of breaking vows made with one’s wife, framing her not merely as a legal partner but as a trusted companion before God.
This rare usage underscores the weight of marital fidelity in biblical thought. By choosing a word that implies close companionship, the text elevates the marriage relationship beyond mere contract to one of deep personal alliance, reflecting the covenantal nature of the union.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chaveret appears only once in Scripture, yet it carries profound weight for how we understand marriage. In Malachi, the prophet describes a wife as this close companion and partner of covenant. It is not just a legal title but a deep personal alliance where two people walk together before God.
This rare term reminds us that fidelity is about more than following rules; it is about honoring a trusted friend who stands by your side. When we treat our partners with respect, we acknowledge the sacred bond they share with us and with the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] companion/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲבֶרְתְּ/ךָ֖1×
Key Verses
-
Malachi 2:14
Yet you say, ‘Why?’ Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and the wife of your covenant.
This verse uniquely applies the term to a wife, framing marital unfaithfulness as a breach of trust with a covenant partner whom God witnesses.