### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hereg**, represented by `{{H2027}}`, is a noun defined as **slaughter** or **to be slain**. It is derived from the primitive root `{{H2026}}` **hârag**, which means to kill or slay. This specific term for slaughter is rare, appearing only **5 times** across **5 unique verses**, indicating its use in contexts of significant and violent death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H2027}}` consistently points to a scene of widespread and calamitous killing. It is used prophetically to describe a day of divine judgment as "the day of the great **slaughter**, when the towers fall" [[Isaiah 30:25]]. The word also portrays the fall of a great city, Tyrus, which shakes the isles "when the **slaughter** is made" in its midst [[Ezekiel 26:15]]. In a narrative context, it describes the retribution enacted by the Jews, who smote their enemies with "the stroke of the sword, and **slaughter**, and destruction" [[Esther 9:5]]. It is also used to depict those in mortal peril, who are "ready to be **slain**" [[Proverbs 24:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope and nature of **hereg**:
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag**: The verb from which `{{H2027}}` is derived, meaning **to smite with deadly intent**. It describes the direct act of taking a life, as when Cain rose up against his brother and **slew** him [[Genesis 4:8]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh**: A primitive root meaning **to strike**. This is the action that often results in slaughter, as when the Jews **smote** all their enemies [[Esther 9:5]] or when God promises to **smite** the shepherd [[Zechariah 13:7]].
* `{{H4347}}` **makkâh**: This noun signifies a **blow**, **wound**, or **slaughter**. It is used in parallel with `{{H2027}}` in [[Esther 9:5]] to describe the violent means of the slaughter.
* `{{H12}}` **ʼabdân**: Meaning **a perishing** or **destruction**. It appears alongside `{{H2027}}` to emphasize the complete ruin that accompanies the slaughter of enemies [[Esther 9:5]].
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth**: The general Hebrew word for **death**. It is paired with `{{H2027}}` in [[Proverbs 24:11]], where people are described as being "drawn unto **death**" and ready to be slain.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2027}}` is focused on the concepts of divine judgment and human accountability.
* **Divine Retribution:** The term is primarily used in prophetic contexts to illustrate the severity of God's judgment against nations and the wicked. The "great **slaughter**" is an event tied to God's action against the proud and rebellious [[Isaiah 30:25]], and the **slaughter** in Tyrus is a direct result of a proclamation from the Lord GOD [[Ezekiel 26:15]].
* **Consequence of Conflict:** The word serves as a measure of violent conflict. God asks if his smiting of his people is comparable to the **slaughter** of those who smote them, using the term to quantify the intensity of destruction [[Isaiah 27:7]].
* **Moral Responsibility:** The use of `{{H2027}}` in Proverbs creates a moral imperative to act. The command to deliver those "ready to be **slain**" frames the prevention of slaughter as a righteous duty [[Proverbs 24:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2027}}` **hereg** is a potent and specific term for **slaughter**. Though it appears infrequently, its presence marks moments of intense violence, whether as an act of human warfare and justice [[Esther 9:5]] or as a manifestation of divine judgment [[Isaiah 30:25]]. It moves beyond the simple concept of death to convey a sense of widespread, calamitous killing, highlighting the devastating consequences of sin and conflict.
TRV