### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hârâh**, represented by `{{H2029}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be (or become) pregnant** or to **conceive**. It appears 43 times across 42 unique verses in the Bible. While its primary use is literal, describing the act of conception, it is also used figuratively to illustrate the origin of ideas, actions, and even national identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2029}}` is most frequently used to mark the beginning of new life, often as a direct result of divine intervention. It describes formerly barren women like Rebekah conceiving after Isaac's prayer [[Genesis 25:21]] and Sarah conceiving a son in her old age according to God's promise [[Genesis 21:2]]. The word is also used to establish lineage, as when Leah conceived multiple sons for Jacob [[Genesis 29:32]]. Figuratively, the term describes the origin of sin and futility, as in "they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity" [[Isaiah 59:4]] or the conception of "words of falsehood" [[Isaiah 59:13]]. In one instance, it is translated as "progenitors," referring to ancestors [[Genesis 49:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the process and context of conception:
* `{{H2030}}` **hâreh** (pregnant): As a direct derivative, this word describes the state of being "with child." It is used when the angel tells Hagar, "Behold, thou art with child `{{H2030}}`, and shalt bear a son" [[Genesis 16:11]].
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young): This verb is the natural outcome of conception and is almost always paired with `{{H2029}}`, as seen in the recurring phrase "and she conceived `{{H2029}}`, and bare `{{H3205}}` a son" [[Genesis 4:17]].
* `{{H6135}}` **ʻâqâr** (barren): This term signifies the inability to conceive and often sets the stage for a miraculous use of `{{H2029}}`. God's power is shown when Rebekah, who "was barren `{{H6135}}`," is enabled to conceive [[Genesis 25:21]].
* `{{H2342}}` **chûwl** (to writhe in pain): This word for travail often follows conception, linking the beginning of pregnancy to the pain of birth. Israel laments, "We have been with child, we have been in pain `{{H2342}}`, we have as it were brought forth wind" [[Isaiah 26:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2029}}` is significant, highlighting God's sovereignty and the nature of sin.
* **Divine Power Over Life:** The act of conception is repeatedly portrayed as a divine gift, especially in cases of barrenness. God's intervention allows Rebekah to conceive [[Genesis 25:21]], and an angel announces to a barren woman that she "shalt conceive, and bear a son" [[Judges 13:3]]. This establishes God as the ultimate giver of life.
* **The Genesis of Sin:** The prophets use the language of conception to explain that evil actions originate from an internal source. Wickedness is a process that begins when one "hath conceived mischief" and results in bringing forth "falsehood" [[Psalms 7:14]] or "iniquity" [[Isaiah 59:4]].
* **Metaphor for Responsibility:** The word is used to express the burden of leadership and national identity. Moses asks God in frustration, "Have I conceived all this people?" [[Numbers 11:12]], framing his responsibility as a kind of parental genesis. Similarly, Israel's failure to bring deliverance is described as a futile pregnancy [[Isaiah 26:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2029}}` extends far beyond a simple biological function. It is a critical term that establishes lineage, marks the fulfillment of divine promises, and provides a powerful metaphor for origins. Whether describing the literal conception of a child through God's intervention or the figurative conception of mischief in the human heart, **hârâh** illustrates the profound biblical principle that all things, good and evil, have a point of origin. It connects the internal act of conceiving with the external reality that is ultimately brought forth.
TRV