Chafe
TextsWhat is the meaning of Chafe in the Bible?
The Hebrew term chaf, appearing in 2 Samuel 17:8, describes the fierce, bitter, or deadly nature of David's warriors as portrayed by Hushai during Absalom's rebellion.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this specific vocabulary reveals how Hushai strategically exaggerates the threat level of David's forces to manipulate Absalom's decision-making, thereby highlighting the psychological warfare central to the narrative.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Chafe functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chafe in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chafe clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Samuel 17:8
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chafe." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chafe/