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H2268 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֶבֶר
Chever
Noun, masculine
Company, association, enchantment

Definition

The noun chever has two distinct semantic fields: (1) a company, band, or fellowship of people united by a common bond (from chavar, 'to join'); and (2) a spell or enchantment (in the context of forbidden occult practices). Context determines which meaning is operative.

Usage & Theological Significance

The prohibition of enchantments (chever) in Isaiah 47:9, 12 belongs to the broader biblical condemnation of divination and magic as false bids for control that belong to God alone. In contrast, the positive use of chever as 'fellowship' or 'company' (Psalm 119:63: 'a companion of all who fear you') points toward the covenant community as the divinely ordained context for human flourishing. True fellowship is grounded in shared devotion to God, not occult alliance.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 47:9 These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments.
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.
Hosea 6:9 As robbers lie in wait for a man, so the priests band together; they murder on the way to Shechem; they commit villainy.
Isaiah 47:12 Stand fast in your enchantments and your many sorceries, with which you have labored from your youth; perhaps you may be able to succeed; perhaps you may inspire terror.
Judges 20:11 So all the men of Israel gathered against the city, united as one man.

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External Resources

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