חֲבֶ֫רֶת

From the study of Malachi 2:14

Range of meaning

The feminine form occurs only here: “companion, partner, consort.” It comes from the root חבר, “to join, unite, be allied.” The masculine חָבֵר means a companion or associate (Psalm 119:63, “a companion of all who fear you”; Song 1:7, 8:13). The verb is used for objects joined together (the tabernacle curtains, Exodus 26:3) and for forming alliances (2 Chronicles 20:35–36).

Against the English

KJV, WEB and BSB say “companion.” Some modern versions say “partner,” which is closer to the idea of a party joined to you in a shared enterprise. “Companion” is not wrong, but to modern ears it can sound like a casual friend or someone who keeps you company.

How it drifted

Modern English “companion” has weakened into “someone you spend time with.” The Hebrew root is about being bound and allied.

Used elsewhere in the period

The masculine חָבֵר is common. In later Jewish usage, ḥaver was the term for a member of a fellowship bound by shared obligations (in the Mishnah). The Septuagint uses κοινωνός, “partner, sharer,” the word for a business partner or someone who shares in a common life.