### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâçôwn**, represented by `{{H611}}`, describes a type of **hurt** or **mischief**. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**. The term consistently refers to severe, often fatal, harm that can occur suddenly or accidentally.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H611}}` is used in two key contexts. First, it appears three times in Genesis as Jacob expresses his profound fear for his youngest son, Benjamin. Fearing a repeat of Joseph's presumed fate, Jacob refuses to send Benjamin with his brothers, stating, "Lest peradventure **mischief** befall him" [[Genesis 42:4]]. This fear of fatal **mischief** is linked to the ultimate sorrow of bringing his "gray hairs with sorrow to the grave" ([[Genesis 42:38]], [[Genesis 44:29]]). Second, in Exodus, `{{H611}}` is used to establish a critical legal distinction. If men strive and injure a pregnant woman but "no **mischief** follow" [[Exodus 21:22]], the penalty is a fine. However, "if any **mischief** follow" [[Exodus 21:23]], the punishment is life for life, indicating that `ʼâçôwn` signifies a tragic and fatal outcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope and context of `ʼâçôwn`:
* `{{H7122}}` **qârâʼ** (to encounter... befall): This verb is directly paired with `ʼâçôwn` to describe the possibility of harm "befalling" someone, highlighting the accidental or unforeseen nature of the tragedy Jacob fears ([[Genesis 42:4]], [[Genesis 42:38]]).
* `{{H5327}}` **nâtsâh** (to quarrel; strive): This word describes the action that leads to the potential for `ʼâçôwn` in the legal case in Exodus, where men who "strive" cause injury [[Exodus 21:22]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): Jacob connects the potential for `ʼâçôwn` with the resulting "sorrow" (`raʻ`), showing the deep emotional and moral weight of such a harmful event [[Genesis 44:29]].
* `{{H3015}}` **yâgôwn** (affliction; grief, sorrow): This term is used by Jacob to describe the outcome he would suffer if `ʼâçôwn` were to befall Benjamin, linking the concept of mischief directly to profound grief [[Genesis 42:38]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H611}}` lies in its connection to human vulnerability and legal justice.
* **Parental Fear and Loss:** Jacob’s repeated use of the word underscores the fragility of life and the deep-seated fear of tragic loss that marks the human experience, particularly within the family structure ([[Genesis 42:4]], [[Genesis 44:29]]).
* **The Value of Life:** In Mosaic law, `ʼâçôwn` serves as a legal threshold. Its occurrence in the case of an injured pregnant woman escalates the consequence to the highest level, "life for life," thereby establishing the profound value of both the mother's and the child's life [[Exodus 21:23]].
* **Consequences of Strife:** The context of [[Exodus 21:22]] demonstrates that human conflict and striving can lead to unintended but fatal consequences, holding individuals accountable for the devastating "mischief" that results from their actions.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H611}}` is a specific and potent term for disastrous harm or mischief. Though used sparingly, it carries significant emotional and legal weight, defining both a father’s worst fear of tragic loss and the legal boundary for capital punishment in a case of accidental injury. The word `ʼâçôwn` illustrates how scripture assigns gravity to events that bring about fatal sorrow and holds individuals accountable for such devastating outcomes.
TRV