### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H2027}}` (*hereg*) is derived from the verb `{{H2026}}` (*harag*), meaning "to kill" or "to slay." As a noun, *hereg* denotes the *act* or *result* of such killing. Its primary semantic range encompasses "slaughter," "killing," or "massacre." It often implies a violent, widespread, or decisive act of killing, rather than an individual or accidental death. It can refer to the act of slaughter itself or, by extension, to those who have been slain. The term carries a strong connotation of devastation and the finality of death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not among the most frequently occurring Hebrew nouns, `{{H2027}}` appears in significant prophetic and historical contexts, lending weight to its meaning.
* In [[Isaiah 27:7]], the prophet asks rhetorically, "Has he struck them as he struck those who struck them? Or has he been slain as those were slain who slew him?" Here, the phrase "as those were slain" (כְּהֶרֶג - *kehereg*) refers to the manner or result of the death inflicted. The verse draws a stark contrast between the measured discipline God applies to Israel and the indiscriminate, annihilating slaughter inflicted by their oppressors. It suggests that God's actions, even when severe, are not equivalent to the unbridled violence of human enemies.
* In [[Isaiah 30:25]], the term appears in the phrase "day of great slaughter" (הֶרֶג גָּדוֹל - *hereg gadol*). This refers to a future day of catastrophic judgment upon Assyria, Israel's oppressor, when "the towers fall." This usage clearly signifies a large-scale, decisive killing, often in the context of divine retribution or warfare. The "great slaughter" is a prelude to the restoration and blessing of God's people, demonstrating His justice in overthrowing those who oppose Him.
These occurrences highlight that `{{H2027}}` is typically used to describe collective, violent death, whether as a consequence of warfare or as an instrument of divine judgment. It emphasizes the devastating impact of such events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is the root verb `{{H2026}}` (*harag*), "to kill, slay, murder," from which `{{H2027}}` is derived. harag is a general term for killing, encompassing a wide range of contexts from capital punishment to warfare.
Other related Hebrew words for killing or death include:
* `{{H4191}}` (*mavet*): A general term for "death" or "dying."
* `{{H7523}}` (*ratzach*): Specifically refers to "murder," particularly unlawful, premeditated killing, as found in the Sixth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:13]]). Unlike *ratzach*, *hereg* can encompass lawful killing in war or execution.
* `{{H2491}}` (*machal*): "To wound, pierce, slay," often used in the context of battle.
* `{{H2490}}` (*machal*): A noun form meaning "pierced, slain," related to the verb above.
Concepts closely associated with `{{H2027}}` include divine judgment, warfare, violence, devastation, bloodshed, and the ultimate cessation of life.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2027}}` lies primarily in its portrayal of the devastating consequences of sin and human rebellion, which frequently manifest as violent conflict or divine judgment.
In the context of divine judgment, as seen in [[Isaiah 30:25]], *hereg* underscores God's sovereignty and justice. The "great slaughter" is not random chaos but a purposeful act by God to bring down oppressive powers and vindicate His people. This demonstrates that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations, holding them accountable for their actions.
The use of *hereg* in [[Isaiah 27:7]] reveals a nuanced aspect of God's dealings with His covenant people. By contrasting the *hereg* inflicted by human enemies with God's own discipline, the text implies that while God's chastisement can be severe, it is fundamentally different in purpose and character from the indiscriminate violence of the ungodly. God's aim is ultimately redemptive, even when it involves suffering.
The term also serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of bloodshed and the finality of death in the biblical worldview. It highlights the brokenness of the world due to sin and the tragic outcomes of human depravity. Ultimately, the prophetic use of *hereg* often points towards a future where such violence will cease, as God establishes His kingdom of peace, where instruments of war are transformed into tools of agriculture ([[Isaiah 2:4]]) and the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth, removing all harm ([[Isaiah 11:9]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew noun `{{H2027}}` (*hereg*) signifies "slaughter" or "the slain," deriving from the verb `{{H2026}}` (*harag*), "to kill." It describes a violent, often large-scale act of killing, such as a massacre or the result of a decisive battle. Biblical occurrences, particularly in the book of Isaiah, illustrate its use in contexts of divine judgment and warfare. In [[Isaiah 30:25]], it denotes the "great slaughter" God brings upon His enemies, affirming His justice and sovereignty. In [[Isaiah 27:7]], it is employed to distinguish God's purposeful discipline of Israel from the indiscriminate "slaughter" inflicted by their oppressors. Theologically, *hereg* underscores the devastating consequences of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the profound tragedy of bloodshed, while also implicitly pointing to the future hope of a world free from such violence under God's righteous and peaceful rule.
TRV