a primitive root (identical with through the idea of sloping); properly, to bend downward; but used only as a denominative from עֹרֶף,; to break the neck; hence (figuratively) to destroy; that is beheaded, break down, break (cut off, strike off) neck.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâraph**, represented by `{{H6202}}`, is a primitive root used to mean **to break the neck**. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses. Its usage ranges from the literal act of breaking an animal's neck, sometimes as part of a ritual or legal requirement, to the figurative destruction of objects like altars.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and prophecy, `{{H6202}}` is used in specific, powerful contexts. It appears in the law concerning the firstling of an ass, where if the animal is not redeemed, the owner "shalt break his neck" ([[Exodus 13:13]], [[Exodus 34:20]]). The word is also central to the ritual for an unsolved murder, where the elders of a city "shall strike off the heifer's neck" in a valley to atone for the guilt [[Deuteronomy 21:4]]. Figuratively, the term is used to describe divine judgment, where God "shall break down their altars" [[Hosea 10:2]], and to condemn impure worship, which is compared to the abominable act of one who "cut off a dog's neck" [[Isaiah 66:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the specific meaning of `{{H6202}}` by contrast or association:
* `{{H6299}}` **pâdâh** (to sever, i.e. ransom; gener. to release, preserve): This word is presented as the direct alternative to breaking the neck. The law for a firstling ass states it must be redeemed (`pâdâh`), and if not, "then thou shalt break his neck" [[Exodus 13:13]].
* `{{H7819}}` **shâchaṭ** (to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)): While both terms involve killing, `shâchaṭ` is frequently used for proper sacrificial slaughter, such as killing the passover lamb [[2 Chronicles 35:6]]. In contrast, `ʻâraph` is used for ritualistic but non-sacrificial killing or for acts condemned as abominations [[Isaiah 66:3]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (a primitive root; to strike): This is a general term for striking or smiting. The severity of `ʻâraph` is highlighted in [[Isaiah 66:3]], where killing an ox is compared to slaying (`nâkâh`) a man, and sacrificing a lamb is compared to breaking (`ʻâraph`) a dog's neck, showing parallel gravity in condemned actions.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H6202}}` carries significant theological weight, often symbolizing irreversible consequences and the severity of sin.
* **Finality of Judgment:** The act of breaking a neck is final. In the law of the firstling, the choice is between redemption (`pâdâh`) and destruction (`ʻâraph`), illustrating that rejecting God's provision leads to an irreversible end [[Exodus 34:20]].
* **Corporate Atonement:** The beheading of the heifer in Deuteronomy 21 is a unique ceremony to purge the land of the guilt of an unsolved murder. It underscores the community's responsibility to address sin, even when the individual perpetrator is unknown [[Deuteronomy 21:6]].
* **Destruction of Idolatry:** Prophetically, the word is used to signify the complete and utter destruction of objects of false worship. God will not just damage but "break down" the apostates' altars, rendering them completely useless [[Hosea 10:2]].
* **Profane Worship:** Isaiah uses the image of breaking a dog's neck to illustrate how God views hypocritical religious acts. It is equated with other abominations, showing that outward rituals are detestable when the heart has chosen its own wicked ways [[Isaiah 66:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6202}}` is a highly specific and potent term. While its base meaning is the literal act of breaking a neck, its application in Scripture is primarily within legal and prophetic contexts that convey profound theological truths. It serves as a stark symbol of finality, representing the irreversible consequence of non-redemption, the decisive purging of communal guilt, and the complete destruction of idolatrous systems. The word `ʻâraph` powerfully illustrates the boundary between the sacred and the profane, and the severe outcome of rejecting divine ordinance.
TRV