The Hebrew word râbaʻ, represented by H7250, is a primitive root defined as to squat or lie out flat, specifically in the context of copulation. Translated as "let gender" or "lie down," it is a highly specific term that appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the legal codes of Leviticus.
In its biblical usage, H7250 always appears within prohibitions against unnatural unions. In Leviticus 19:19, it is used to forbid the crossbreeding of different kinds of cattle, as part of a broader statute against mixing kinds. The other two occurrences deal with bestiality. It is used to forbid a woman from positioning herself before a beast to lie down thereto Leviticus 18:23, an act which the text calls "confusion." The final usage reiterates this prohibition, specifying that a woman who approaches a beast to lie down with it must be put to death along with the animal Leviticus 20:16.
Several related words clarify the context and gravity of the actions described by H7250:
- H929 bᵉhêmâh (beast, cattle): This word appears in every verse where H7250 is found, identifying the animal or beast involved in the prohibited act (Leviticus 18:23, Leviticus 20:16).
- H2930 ṭâmêʼ (to be foul, defile): This term is used to describe the result of the forbidden act in Leviticus 18:23, indicating that such an act causes a person to become ceremonially and morally foul or unclean.
- H8397 tebel (confusion): This noun is used to label the act of bestiality described in Leviticus 18:23, defining it as an unnatural mixture and a perversion of order.
The theological weight of H7250 is tied to its role in defining sacred boundaries and holiness.
- Preservation of Kinds: The law in Leviticus 19:19 links the prohibition against letting cattle gender H7250 with a diverse kind to other laws against mixing, such as sowing a field with mingled seed H3610. This establishes a broader principle of maintaining the distinct orders of creation.
- Condemnation of Uncleanness: The act is explicitly defined as one that will defile H2930 an individual and is labeled as confusion H8397, placing it in direct opposition to the state of holiness and purity required of God's people Leviticus 18:23.
- Capital Punishment: The severity of the transgression is highlighted by the ultimate penalty. The law mandates that those who violate this command must be put to death H4191, and their blood H1818 guilt is upon them, showing the act to be an offense worthy of the gravest consequence Leviticus 20:16.
In summary, H7250 is a specific verb used exclusively in Leviticus to prohibit acts of unnatural union, both between different kinds of animals and between humans and animals. Its usage is confined to legal statutes that underscore core Old Testament themes of holiness, the importance of maintaining created distinctions, and the severe consequences of moral and ceremonial defilement. The word illustrates how the law addressed specific behaviors as part of a larger framework for a consecrated community.
TRV