חָבֵר
Chaver
Friend, companion, comrade
Chaver (חָבֵר) is a Hebrew word meaning “friend, companion, comrade,” pronounced “kha-VEHR.” Derived from the root ח-ב-ר, chaver appears 12 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H2270).
| Hebrew | חָבֵר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Chaver |
| Pronunciation | kha-VEHR |
| Meaning | Friend, companion, comrade |
| Root Letters | ח-ב-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 12× |
| Key Verse | Proverbs 17:17 |
| Strong's Number | H2270 |
| Category | Family & Relationships |
Hebrew has multiple words for friendship, each revealing a different dimension of this sacred bond. Chaver (חָבֵר) means companion or associate — someone who is joined to you by shared purpose or commitment. Re'a (רֵעַ) is the broader word for friend or neighbor, the one you are commanded to love as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). The Bible's supreme model of friendship is David and Jonathan, whose souls were 'knitted together' (1 Samuel 18:1) in a covenant bond (brit) that transcended politics, family loyalty, and self-interest. Jonathan loved David as his own nefesh (soul) and sacrificed his claim to the throne for his friend's sake. Proverbs 17:17 declares that 'a re'a loves at all times,' while Proverbs 18:24 warns that 'a man of many companions (re'im) may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.' Jesus elevated friendship to its highest expression when He told His disciples, 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down his life for his friends (philoi).' He then called them 'friends, not servants' (John 15:13-15). In Hebrew thought, true friendship is covenantal — it is not based on convenience but on commitment that endures through every circumstance.
Key Bible Verse: Proverbs 17:17
“A friend (re'a) loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
What Is the Root of Chaver in Hebrew?
Chaver comes from the root ח-ב-ר (chet-bet-resh), meaning 'to join, to bind together.' A chaver is literally someone who is bound to you. The related word 'chevrah' (group, society) and 'chibur' (connection, composition) share this root. Re'a comes from the root ר-ע-ה, meaning 'to associate with' or 'to shepherd.'
What Does Chaver Mean in the Bible?
Chaver appears approximately 12 times in the Hebrew Bible, while the more common re'a appears over 180 times. Together they cover the full spectrum of friendship, from casual acquaintance to covenant companion. 'Love your re'a as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18) uses the broader term.
How Is Chaver Used in Modern Hebrew?
In modern Hebrew, 'chaver' means friend (masculine) and 'chaverah' means friend (feminine). It's also used for 'member' of an organization. On kibbutzim, everyone is called 'chaver' — comrade and equal. The word has warmth and implies mutual commitment.
How to Use Chaver in Prayer & Worship
Thank God for the chaverim (friends) in your life and ask Him to deepen your friendships into covenant-level bonds. Pray to be the kind of friend who 'loves at all times' and sticks closer than a brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaver
How do you say “Friend” in Hebrew?
“Friend” in Hebrew is Chaver (חָבֵר), pronounced “kha-VEHR.” Chaver comes from the root ח-ב-ר (chet-bet-resh), meaning 'to join, to bind together.' A chaver is literally someone who is bound to you. The related word 'chevrah' (group, society) and 'chibur' (connection, composition) share this root. Re'a comes from the root ר-ע-ה, meaning 'to associate with' or 'to shepherd.'
What does Chaver mean in the Bible?
Chaver (חָבֵר) means “Friend, companion, comrade” in Biblical Hebrew. Chaver appears approximately 12 times in the Hebrew Bible, while the more common re'a appears over 180 times. Together they cover the full spectrum of friendship, from casual acquaintance to covenant companion. 'Love your re'a as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18) uses the broader term.
How do you pronounce Chaver?
Chaver is pronounced “kha-VEHR.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ח-ב-ר.
What is the difference between chaver and re'a in Hebrew?
Chaver emphasizes being joined or connected — a companion by choice and commitment. Re'a is broader, meaning friend, neighbor, or fellow person. The commandment 'Love your re'a as yourself' uses the inclusive term, extending love to every person you encounter. Chaver implies a deeper, more intentional bond — someone you've chosen to walk with.
What made David and Jonathan's friendship special?
David and Jonathan's friendship was covenantal (1 Samuel 18:3) — they made a formal commitment to each other. Jonathan loved David 'as his own soul' (1 Samuel 18:1), gave him his own royal robe and weapons (v.4), and chose loyalty to David over loyalty to his own father, King Saul. Their friendship cost Jonathan everything, including his claim to the throne.
Is Abraham called God's friend in Hebrew?
Yes — Isaiah 41:8 calls Abraham 'ohavi' (my friend/one who loves me), and 2 Chronicles 20:7 calls him God's 'ohev' (friend/lover). James 2:23 echoes this: 'Abraham believed God... and he was called a friend of God.' The Hebrew reveals that friendship with God is rooted in trust (emunah) and love (ahavah), not just obedience.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H2270: Chaver
- Bible Gateway — Proverbs 17:17 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ח-ב-ר
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