The Hebrew word nᵉqêbâh, represented by H5347, is the specific term for female. It appears 22 times in 22 unique verses. Derived from its root (נָקַב), the word denotes the female gender, referencing the sexual form, and is applied to both humans and animals in scripture, often establishing a fundamental distinction within creation.
In biblical usage, H5347 is central to several key narratives and legal codes. It is first introduced in the creation account, where God H430 created H1254 humanity "male H2145 and female H5347" in His own image H6754 (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:2). This foundational pairing is critical for the preservation of life, as seen in the command to Noah H5146 to bring animals into the ark H8392 as male H2145 and female H5347 Genesis 6:19. The term is also prominent in Levitical law, where specific offerings required a female H5347 animal without blemish H8549 Leviticus 4:32, and where personal valuations for vows differed between male and female Leviticus 27:4.
Several related words provide context to the concept of the female gender:
- H2145 zâkâr (male): This is the direct counterpart to nᵉqêbâh, frequently appearing alongside it to express the complete pairing of the sexes in both humanity and the animal kingdom Genesis 1:27.
- H120 ʼâdâm (man, human being): While often used for a specific man, this term is also used collectively for humanity. God created them male and female and "called H7121 their name H8034 Adam H120" Genesis 5:2, showing that both genders constitute the whole of humankind.
- H1323 bath (daughter): As the feminine counterpart to son H1121, this word specifies a female in a familial relationship. It connects to nᵉqêbâh in contexts like Jeremiah, which addresses a "backsliding H7728 daughter H1323" before prophesying that a woman H5347 will compass a man Jeremiah 31:22.
The theological significance of H5347 is rooted in its role within God's created order and redemptive plan.
- Image of God: The declaration that God created mankind "male H2145 and female H5347" Genesis 1:27 establishes that the distinction is not an accident but a fundamental aspect of bearing God's image H6754.
- Preservation of Life: The specific instruction for Noah H5146 to save pairs of male H2145 and female H5347 creatures highlights the female's essential role in the continuation of life and God's covenant with creation Genesis 7:3.
- Atonement and Consecration: A female H5347 animal was specified for certain sacrifices, such as the sin offering H2403 Leviticus 4:28 and the trespass offering H817 Leviticus 5:6, demonstrating her integral place in the ritual system of atonement H3722.
- Prophetic Hope: In a unique prophecy, the LORD H3068 promises to create H1254 a new thing H2319, where a woman H5347 will compass H5437 a man H1397, pointing to a new and divinely-ordained order Jeremiah 31:22.
In summary, nᵉqêbâh H5347 is far more than a simple biological identifier. It is a cornerstone of creation theology, establishing the female as an essential part of humanity made in God's image. Its use in the narratives of preservation, the laws of sacrifice, and prophecy underscores the vital and distinct role of the female throughout scripture, from the first chapter of Genesis to the promise of a new creation.
TRV