### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hêrôwn**, represented by `{{H2032}}`, means **pregnancy** or **conception**. Although it appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, its usage is theologically significant. The term is derived from the word הָרָה, establishing its direct connection to the state of being pregnant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the use of `{{H2032}}` highlights its role in both divine judgment and blessing. It first appears as part of the curse upon the **woman** `{{H802}}`, where God states, "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy **conception**" [[Genesis 3:16]]. In sharp contrast, it is presented as a divine gift in the book of Ruth, where "the LORD gave her **conception**" after she married Boaz, resulting in a son [[Ruth 4:13]]. Finally, in a prophecy of judgment, Hosea declares that Ephraim's glory will vanish, starting from the very beginning of life: "from the birth, and from the womb, and from the **conception**" [[Hosea 9:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of `{{H2032}}`:
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young): This term describes the outcome of a successful conception, the act of bringing forth children. It is used immediately following the mention of conception in the curse on the woman [[Genesis 3:16]].
* `{{H6093}}` **ʻitstsâbôwn** (worrisomeness, i.e. labor or pain): This word is explicitly paired with `{{H2032}}` in Genesis, where the multiplication of sorrow is directly linked to the woman's **conception** [[Genesis 3:16]].
* `{{H990}}` **beṭen** (the belly, especially the womb): As the physical location of conception, this word is used in conjunction with `{{H2032}}` in Hosea's prophecy to emphasize the removal of posterity from its earliest stage [[Hosea 9:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2032}}` is significant despite its infrequent use.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The term underscores God's ultimate authority over the beginning of life. He is the one who "gave her **conception**" as a blessing [[Ruth 4:13]] and also the one who removes it as a judgment [[Hosea 9:11]].
* **Consequence and Blessing:** The word is presented with a dual meaning. In Genesis, **conception** is tied to the sorrow resulting from the fall [[Genesis 3:16]]. Yet, in Ruth, it is clearly portrayed as a gracious gift from the LORD.
* **Foundation of Life:** In Hosea's prophecy, **conception** is identified as the first in a sequence of life's stages, establishing it as a foundational point for a people's existence and future, the loss of which signifies a complete end to their glory [[Hosea 9:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **hêrôwn** `{{H2032}}` is far more than a biological term. It frames **conception** as an event directly governed by divine will. Through its limited appearances, the word illustrates the profound realities of God's sovereignty, the consequences of sin, and the power of divine blessing, showing that the very start of human life is a matter of heavenly intervention.
TRV