h-b-r

Description

The Arabic root ḥ-b-r primarily conveys the meaning of learned religious authority and scholarly expertise, appearing in the Quran to refer to Jewish rabbis and Christian monks who possess deep knowledge of scripture. The root also carries a secondary meaning of joy or being delighted, as knowledge and wisdom were traditionally associated with happiness and fulfillment. In the Quranic context, this root is significant as it addresses the religious learned class of the People of the Book, often critiquing their failure to uphold or properly convey their knowledge, while simultaneously acknowledging their position as authorities in religious law and interpretation.