2269. chabar
Lexical Summary
chabar: To join, unite, bind together, ally

Original Word: חֲבַר
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chabar
Pronunciation: khaw-bar'
Phonetic Spelling: (khab-ar')
KJV: companion, fellow
NASB: friends
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to H2266 (חָבַר - joined)]

1. an associate

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
companion, fellow

(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chabar; an associate -- companion, fellow.

see HEBREW chabar

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to chabar
Definition
fellow, comrade
NASB Translation
friends (3).

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Nuance

The term designates a close companion or trusted friend. It conveys more than casual acquaintance; it speaks of a covenant-like solidarity that stands firm under pressure.

Scriptural Context

All three appearances occur in the narrative of Daniel chapter 2. Twice the word refers to Daniel’s circle of confidants—Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—and once to the wider group of exiles who faced execution with Daniel. Amid the threat issued by King Nebuchadnezzar, the text stresses that Daniel “went to his house and informed his friends” (Daniel 2:17) and urged them to “seek mercy from the God of heaven” (Daniel 2:18). Their relationship is marked by spiritual unity, corporate prayer, and mutual commitment.

Portrait of Godly Companionship in Daniel

1. Shared Conviction: The companions had earlier resolved not to defile themselves with royal food (Daniel 1:8). Their joint stand illustrates how righteousness is strengthened in fellowship.
2. Intercessory Partnership: When faced with a death decree, they immediately turn to united prayer. Friendship here is not merely emotional support but a spiritual alliance seeking divine revelation.
3. Corporate Deliverance: The subsequent unveiling of the king’s dream rescues “Daniel and his companions” (Daniel 2:18). Salvation is portrayed as communal; God’s answer to one benefits all.
4. Mutual Honor: Daniel later secures positions of authority for the three (Daniel 2:49), demonstrating that biblical friendship includes advocacy and the elevation of others.

Historical Backdrop: Babylonian Court and Exile Community

The Babylonian exile dismantled Israel’s social structures. In a foreign court, godly companionship became a lifeline preserving covenant identity. The term highlights the emergence of small faithful communities within hostile environments—a pattern echoed in later synagogue worship, early church gatherings, and house fellowships throughout history.

Canonical Significance

By spotlighting faithful friendship in Daniel, Scripture affirms that God often works through small bands of believers. The motif anticipates Jesus sending disciples “two by two” and the apostolic practice of ministering in teams. The Old Testament precedent underscores the consistency of divine strategy: companionship undergirds witness in the world’s power centers.

Practical Implications for Today

• Cultivate prayer partnerships that respond to crisis with corporate intercession.
• Seek friendships rooted in shared devotion rather than convenience.
• Advocate for one another’s calling, mirroring Daniel’s promotion of his companions.
• Recognize that fellowship not only sustains individual faith but can alter public outcomes when God answers united prayer.

Related Themes

Friendship and covenant (1 Samuel 18:3–4); the power of two or three witnesses (Matthew 18:19–20); exhortation to mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Forms and Transliterations
וְחַבְר֔וֹהִי וְחַבְר֖וֹהִי וחברוהי חַבְר֖וֹהִי חברוהי chavRohi ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî ḥaḇrōwhî vechavRohi wə·ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî wəḥaḇrōwhî
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Daniel 2:13
HEB: וּבְע֛וֹ דָּנִיֵּ֥אל וְחַבְר֖וֹהִי לְהִתְקְטָלָֽה׃ פ
NAS: for Daniel and his friends to kill
KJV: Daniel and his fellows to be slain.
INT: looked Daniel and his friends to kill

Daniel 2:17
HEB: מִֽישָׁאֵ֧ל וַעֲזַרְיָ֛ה חַבְר֖וֹהִי מִלְּתָ֥א הוֹדַֽע׃
NAS: and informed his friends, Hananiah,
KJV: Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:
INT: Mishael and Azariah his friends the matter and informed

Daniel 2:18
HEB: יְהֹֽבְדוּן֙ דָּנִיֵּ֣אל וְחַבְר֔וֹהִי עִם־ שְׁאָ֖ר
NAS: that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed
KJV: that Daniel and his fellows should not
INT: not be destroyed Daniel and his friends with the rest

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 2269
3 Occurrences


ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî — 1 Occ.
wə·ḥaḇ·rō·w·hî — 2 Occ.

2268
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