### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châyeh**, represented by `{{H2422}}`, is a term for **vigorous** or **lively**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole usage describes a state of robust vitality, specifically in the context of the Hebrew women giving birth while under oppression in Egypt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its only biblical appearance, `{{H2422}}` is used by the Hebrew midwives in their explanation to Pharaoh. They justify their failure to kill the newborn Hebrew males by stating that the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women. The midwives **said** `{{H559}}` that the Israelite mothers are so **lively** `{{H2422}}` that they are **delivered** `{{H3205}}` of their children before the midwives can **come in** `{{H935}}` to attend to them [[Exodus 1:19]]. This single use powerfully illustrates a physical strength that serves as a means of divine preservation for the people of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H2422}}` in [[Exodus 1:19]] connects it to several key action words:
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage): This word is central to the narrative, as the Hebrew women are **delivered** `{{H3205}}` due to being **lively** `{{H2422}}`. It is also used in prophecies concerning the Messiah's birth [[Isaiah 9:6]] and to describe God's declaration of sonship [[Psalms 2:7]].
* `{{H559}}` **ʼâmar** (to say): This is the verb used for the midwives' declaration to Pharaoh. It frequently precedes divine proclamations and covenants, as when the LORD **saith** `{{H559}}` he will make a covenant with his people [[Isaiah 59:21]] or gives guidance on which way to walk [[Isaiah 30:21]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This describes the action of the midwives who **come in** `{{H935}}` to the Hebrew women. The word is also used in a divine command for God's people to **enter** `{{H935}}` their chambers for protection [[Isaiah 26:20]] and in the promise that a prophetic vision will surely **come** `{{H935}}` [[Habakkuk 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H2422}}` is not a major theological term on its own, its singular use carries significant weight within its narrative context.
* **A Sign of Divine Preservation:** In the face of a decree of death, the vigorousness `{{H2422}}` of the Hebrew mothers becomes the means of Israel's survival. Their ability to **bear** `{{H3205}}` children quickly is the direct counter to Pharaoh's destructive plan.
* **Connection to Life and Birth:** The word is intrinsically linked with the act of birth through the related term **yâlad** `{{H3205}}`, which is used not only for human childbirth [[Genesis 3:16]] but also for God's sovereign act of bringing forth His "Son" [[Psalms 2:7]]. This places the "liveliness" within a broader biblical theme of divinely-ordained life.
* **The Power of the Spoken Word:** The description of the women as **lively** `{{H2422}}` is part of a declaration (**'âmar**, `{{H559}}`). This same root for "to say" is used for God's own powerful declarations and covenants [[Isaiah 59:21]], highlighting how a spoken report, in this instance, becomes an instrument of deliverance.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2422}}` is a highly specific term whose meaning is contained entirely within its use in [[Exodus 1:19]]. While exceptionally rare, its meaning of "lively" or "vigorous" is crucial to understanding the narrative of Israel's preservation in Egypt. It illustrates how physical vitality can be portrayed as an instrument of divine providence, linking the themes of birth, survival, and the frustration of evil decrees through the resilience of God's people.
TRV