חַבּוּרָה

חַבּוּרָה

properly, bound (with stripes), i.e. a weal (or black-and-blue mark itself)

Definition

The Hebrew word חַבּוּרָה (chabbûwrâh) refers to a wound or injury resulting from a violent blow, specifically the visible mark left on the skin. It most often describes a bruise, weal, or stripe—a contusion where blood vessels are broken beneath the skin, producing discoloration (Proverbs 20:30). In a legal context, it denotes an injury inflicted by another person, as seen in the law of retaliation (Exodus 21:25). The word can also extend to severe, festering wounds, as in the metaphorical description of Israel's spiritual condition (Isaiah 1:6) and the prophetic suffering of the Servant (Isaiah 53:5).

Biblical Usage

חַבּוּרָה appears six times across the Old Testament in legal, poetic, and prophetic contexts. In legal texts, it specifies a physical injury requiring proportionate justice (Exodus 21:25). In wisdom literature, it illustrates the purifying effect of discipline (Proverbs 20:30). The Psalms use it for personal affliction (Psalm 38:5). Most significantly, Isaiah employs it twice: first for Judah's moral decay (Isaiah 1:6) and then for the vicarious suffering of the Messiah, whose wounds bring healing (Isaiah 53:5). Its earliest use is in Lamech's boast of violence (Genesis 4:23).

Etymology

Derived from the root חָבַר (H2266), meaning 'to unite, join, or bind.' This root conveys the idea of connection or association. חַבּוּרָה thus literally means something 'bound together'—referring to the skin and flesh joined in a swollen, bruised state after a blow. The noun form emphasizes the result of violent joining or striking.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays both human sin and divine redemption. In Isaiah 53:5, the Servant's חַבּוּרָה (wounds/stripes) are central to atonement theology, illustrating that through His physical suffering, spiritual healing is achieved for humanity. It connects physical punishment with spiritual consequence, emphasizing the seriousness of violence (Genesis 4:23) and the profound truth that Christ bore our bruises to reconcile us to God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, visible wounds like bruises were clear evidence of violence or discipline, carrying social and legal weight. The 'bruise for bruise' principle in Exodus 21:25 reflects a common ancient legal concept of exact retaliation (lex talionis), aiming to limit vengeance. Understanding חַבּוּרָה as a tangible mark underscores how physical harm was a measurable offense in Israel's covenant community. פֶּצַע (petsaʿ, H6482) — a wound from cutting or piercing, often deeper. מַכָּה (makkâh, H4347) — a general term for a blow, plague, or slaughter. שֶׁבֶר (shever, H7667) — a fracture or crushing break, often metaphorical.

Word Details