Original Word: חָבַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chabal
Pronunciation: khaw-BAL
Phonetic Spelling: (khab-al')
Definition: To bind, pledge, destroy, pervert
Meaning: to ruin

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G1401 (doulos): Often translated as "servant" or "slave," this term can relate to the concept of binding or obligation.

- G3089 (luo): Meaning "to loose" or "to release," it can be seen as the opposite of binding, providing a complementary understanding of "chabal."

Usage: The Hebrew verb "chabal" primarily conveys the idea of binding or pledging, often in the context of taking something as security or a pledge. It can also mean to destroy or ruin, indicating a broader range of implications from physical binding to moral or ethical corruption. The term is used in various contexts, including legal, economic, and moral situations, reflecting its versatility in Hebrew thought.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, pledges or securities were common in economic transactions. The act of taking a pledge was regulated by Mosaic Law to ensure fairness and prevent exploitation, especially of the poor and vulnerable (e.g., Deuteronomy 24:6, 10-13). The broader sense of "chabal" as destruction or corruption also reflects the moral and ethical concerns of the Hebrew Scriptures, where actions leading to ruin or perversion are condemned.

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chabal
Definition
to destroy, hurt
NASB Translation
destroy (2), destroyed (3), harmed (1).

[חֲבַל] verb Pa`el destroy, hurt (see Biblical Hebrew II. חבל); — Perfect3masculine plural suffix חַבְּלוּנִי Daniel 6:23 (of lions); Imperative masculine plural suffix חַבְּלוּהִי Daniel 4:20 (suffix of tree); Infinitive לְחַבָּלָה Ezra 6:12 (accusative of temple).

Hithpa. be destroyed: Imperfect3feminine singular תִּתְחַבַּל Daniel 2:44; Daniel 6:27; Daniel 7:14 (בַּ֑ל-; all of kingdom of God).

destroy, hurt

(Aramaic) corresponding to chabal; to ruin -- destroy, hurt.

see HEBREW chabal

וְחַבְּל֗וּהִי וחבלוהי חַבְּל֑וּנִי חבלוני לְחַבָּלָ֛ה לחבלה תִתְחַבַּ֔ל תִתְחַבַּֽל׃ תתחבל תתחבל׃ chabbeLuni ḥab·bə·lū·nî ḥabbəlūnî lə·ḥab·bā·lāh lechabbaLah ləḥabbālāh ṯiṯ·ḥab·bal titchabBal ṯiṯḥabbal vechabbeLuhi wə·ḥab·bə·lū·hî wəḥabbəlūhîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts