### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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