a primitive root; to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively); been, be with child, conceive, progenitor.
Transliteration:hârâh
Pronunciation:haw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root הָרָה (`{{H2029}}`, *hârâh*) is a primitive root primarily signifying the act of conception and the subsequent state of pregnancy. Its core meaning revolves around the initiation of life within the womb. The semantic range extends from the literal "to be pregnant" or "to conceive" to, in some rare instances, a more figurative sense of bringing forth or forming, though the literal biological sense dominates its usage in the Hebrew Bible. The root emphasizes the beginning of a new life, marking the transition from potential to nascent existence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root *hârâh* (`{{H2029}}`) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, most often in narrative contexts detailing the lineage and birth of significant figures, especially within the patriarchal narratives and the early history of Israel.
* **Divine Intervention and Barrenness:** A prominent theme is God's direct involvement in opening the womb, particularly for women who were previously barren. Examples include Sarah, who "conceived" (וַתַּהַר, *wattaḥar*) Isaac in her old age, as promised by the Lord ([[Genesis 18:10]], [[Genesis 21:2]]). Similarly, Rebekah "conceived" (וַתַּהַר, *wattaḥar*) twins after Isaac prayed to the Lord ([[Genesis 25:21]]), and Rachel "conceived" (וַתַּהַר, *wattaḥar*) Joseph after God remembered her ([[Genesis 30:23]]). Hannah's conception of Samuel is another powerful instance, where she "conceived" (וַתַּהַר, *wattaḥar*) after fervent prayer ([[1 Samuel 1:20]]). These narratives underscore divine sovereignty over procreation.
* **Lineage and Fulfillment of Promise:** The term is foundational to the establishment of the covenant people. Leah's repeated conceptions ([[Genesis 29:32]], [[Genesis 29:33]], [[Genesis 29:34]], [[Genesis 29:35]]) are instrumental in the formation of the twelve tribes. The narrative of Samson's miraculous conception also uses this term repeatedly, highlighting the divine initiative in his birth ([[Judges 13:3]], [[Judges 13:5]], [[Judges 13:7]]).
* **Legal Contexts:** The root also appears in legal stipulations, such as in [[Exodus 21:22]], concerning harm to a pregnant woman, where the phrase "if men strive, and hurt a woman with child" (וְנָגְפוּ אִשָּׁה הָרָה, *wənāgəp̄û ’iššâh hārâh*) directly uses the participle form of *hârâh*, emphasizing the state of pregnancy.
* **Prophetic Context:** Most significantly, *hârâh* (`{{H2029}}`) is used in the prophetic announcement of Immanuel in [[Isaiah 7:14]]: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son" (הִנֵּה הָעַלְמָה הָרָה וְיֹלֶדֶת בֵּן, *hinneh ha‘almāh hārâh wəyōledet bēn*). This verse carries immense theological weight, later interpreted in the New Testament as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root *hârâh* (`{{H2029}}`) is intrinsically linked to other key Hebrew terms and concepts related to life and procreation:
* **יָלַד (`{{H3205}}`, *yalad*):** "to bear, bring forth." While *hârâh* signifies conception, *yalad* denotes the act of giving birth, making them sequential steps in the process of procreation.
* **רֶחֶם (`{{H7358}}`, *rechem*):** "womb, matrix." This noun refers to the physical space where conception and gestation occur, directly related to the action of *hârâh*.
* **זֶרַע (`{{H2233}}`, *zera‘*):** "seed, offspring, descendants." The result of conception is the "seed" that continues a lineage, fulfilling promises of numerous descendants.
* **בָּטֶן (`{{H0990}}`, *beṭen*):** "belly, womb." Another term for the internal organ associated with pregnancy.
* **Concepts:**
* **Barrenness:** The antithesis of *hârâh*, often portrayed as a divine curse or challenge, overcome by God's intervention.
* **Blessing and Covenant:** Conception and fertility are frequently presented as a sign of divine blessing and a means of fulfilling God's covenant promises, especially to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants.
* **Life:** The root inherently points to the sacredness and mystery of life's beginning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *hârâh* (`{{H2029}}`) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Life:** The consistent portrayal of God "opening" the womb (e.g., for Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah) demonstrates His ultimate control over life's inception. Conception is not merely a biological accident but a divinely ordained act, underscoring God's active involvement in human existence from its earliest stages. This perspective affirms the sanctity of life from conception.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The ability to conceive and bear children, particularly in instances of previous barrenness, is often directly linked to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, especially the Abrahamic promise of a vast posterity. The continuation of the covenant lineage hinges on the act of conception.
* **Miraculous and Supernatural Intervention:** The repeated accounts of barren women conceiving highlights God's power to transcend natural limitations. This sets a theological precedent for understanding that God can initiate life in extraordinary ways.
* **Messianic Anticipation:** The use of *hârâh* in [[Isaiah 7:14]] is arguably its most significant theological contribution. The prophecy of the *almah* (young woman, often translated "virgin") who "shall conceive" (הָרָה, *hārâh*) and bear a son (Immanuel) provides a foundational Old Testament text for the New Testament understanding of the miraculous, virginal conception of Jesus Christ ([[Matthew 1:23]]). This points to a unique divine intervention in human history for the purpose of salvation.
### Summary
The Hebrew root הָרָה (`{{H2029}}`, *hârâh*) fundamentally denotes the act of conception and the state of pregnancy. Its occurrences in the Old Testament consistently highlight God's sovereign control over the initiation of life, often manifested through miraculous interventions for previously barren women. It is central to narratives of lineage, the fulfillment of covenant promises, and the very establishment of the nation of Israel. Theologically, *hârâh* underscores the divine authorship of life, the sanctity of conception, and God's faithfulness to His word. Its most potent use in [[Isaiah 7:14]] foreshadows a unique, divinely orchestrated conception that becomes a cornerstone for understanding the incarnation of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
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