The Hebrew Verb חָבַק – “To Embrace”

Overview

The verb חָבַק (ḥāvaq) means “to embrace,” “to hug,” or “to hold tightly.” It appears in poetic and narrative settings, often expressing deep affection or reunion (e.g., Genesis 33:4, where Esav embraces Yaʿaqov). The root is triliteral and typically appears in the Qal stem, but can be derived in other binyanim as well.

 

Qal Conjugation Table

Tense Person Singular Plural
Past 1st חָבַקְתִּי חָבַקְנוּ
2nd חָבַקְתָּ / חָבַקְתְּ חֲבַקְתֶּם / חֲבַקְתֶּן
3rd חָבַק / חָבְקָה חָבְקוּ
Present חוֹבֵק / חוֹבֶקֶת חוֹבְקִים / חוֹבְקוֹת
Future 1st אֶחֱבַק נֶחֱבַק
2nd תֶּחֱבַק / תֶּחֱבְקִי תֶּחֱבְקוּ / תֶּחֱבַקְנָה
3rd יִחֱבַק / תֶּחֱבַק יִחֱבְקוּ / תֶּחֱבַקְנָה
Imperative 2nd חַבֵּק / חַבְּקִי חַבְּקוּ / חַבֵּקְנָה

 

Derived Binyanim

Niphal

Form Example Translation
Perfect נֶחְבַּק was embraced
Infinitive לְהֵחָבֵק to be embraced
Participle נֶחְבָּק being embraced

Piel

Form Example Translation
Perfect חִיבֵּק he hugged (intensively)
Infinitive לְחַבֵּק to hug
Participle מְחַבֵּק hugging

Hiphil

This verb is typically not attested in the Hiphil binyan, as the root does not lend itself to causative usage (e.g., “to cause to embrace”).

 

Usage Examples

  • Genesis 33:4: “וַיָּרָץ עֵשָׂו לִקְרָאתוֹ וַיְחַבְּקֵהוּ” — “And Esav ran to meet him… and embraced him.”
  • 2 Kings 4:16: “כָּעֵת חַיָּה אַתְּ חֹבֶקֶת בֵּן” — “At this time next year, you will be embracing a son.”

 

Summary

The verb חָבַק offers rich emotional nuance in the Hebrew Bible, often used to describe reconciliation, love, or prophetic promises. It is active primarily in Qal and Piel, rarely appearing in passive or causative forms. Its poetic and human warmth is especially vivid in narrative texts, reflecting the closeness and restoration between individuals.

 

About Biblical Hebrew

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