cha.vaq describes holding someone closely, with several uses extended to clinging to hands, a rock, or other objects.

The predominant use depicts close bodily holding between people, in greetings, family contact, and intimate imagery. A smaller group applies the action to hands, a rock, worms, or a feminine referent in an exhortation, showing close holding or clinging beyond interpersonal scenes.

1. Holding another person closely · dominant

   In Genesis 29:13 and Genesis 33:4, the Piel sequential imperfect occurs as Laban and Esau run to meet another person; the APB renders the action "embraced him." Genesis 48:10 places the same form after Joseph brings the boys near Israel, while Ecclesiastes 3:5 sets the Qal infinitive construct in a contrast between a time "to embrace" and a time to refrain.

   Genesis 29:13Genesis 33:4Genesis 48:102 Kings 4:16Ecclesiastes 3:5Song of Songs 2:6
2. Clinging or folding around non-personal objects · occasional

   Job 24:8 uses a Piel perfect plural where people lack shelter and are at the rock; the APB renders the clause "cling to the rock." Lamentations 4:5 places the same Piel perfect plural with worms, while Ecclesiastes 4:5 uses a Qal active participle in the clause the APB renders "folds his hands."

   Job 24:8Lamentations 4:5Ecclesiastes 4:5Proverbs 4:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the action with "embrace" or "embraced," including interpersonal scenes and the contrast in Ecclesiastes 3:5. In Job 24:8 it renders the clause "cling to the rock," and in Ecclesiastes 4:5 it has "folds his hands"; these are verse-level renderings rather than definitions.