### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rachămâh**, represented by `{{H7361}}`, is a specific term for a **maiden** or **damsel**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. It is the feminine form of `{{H7356}}` **racham**, a word that can mean compassion, the womb, or a maiden. The unique usage of `{{H7361}}` occurs within the context of dividing the spoils of war.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7361}}` is in the Song of Deborah in [[Judges 5:30]]. The verse describes the imagined words of Sisera's mother's ladies, who speculate that the victorious army is delayed because they are dividing the spoils of war. In the phrase, "to every man a damsel{H7356} or two{H7361}", the word `{{H7361}}` is used. This context frames the term in a military victory, where captured women are treated as **prey** `{{H7998}}` to be **divided** `{{H2505}}` among the soldiers.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the immediate context of [[Judges 5:30]] illuminate the meaning of `{{H7361}}`:
* `{{H7356}}` **racham**: The word from which `{{H7361}}` is derived. While used in [[Judges 5:30]] to mean a **damsel**, this term is overwhelmingly used elsewhere to signify **compassion**, **tender love**, or **mercy**, often referring to the tender mercies of God ([[Psalms 51:1]], [[Lamentations 3:22]]).
* `{{H7998}}` **shâlâl**: This word for **prey** or **spoil** appears four times in [[Judges 5:30]], establishing the context for the damsels. They are seen as part of the **booty** acquired through conquest, alongside other valuable goods [[Isaiah 9:3]].
* `{{H2505}}` **châlaq**: Meaning to **divide** or **apportion**, this term describes the action being taken with the spoil. The damsels, as part of the prey, are being distributed among the victors, just as land [[Joel 3:2]] or garments [[Psalms 22:18]] might be parted.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7361}}` is derived almost entirely from its singular, stark usage.
* **Dehumanization in Warfare:** The context of [[Judges 5:30]] portrays a grim reality of ancient warfare, where human beings, specifically a **maiden**, are categorized as **prey** `{{H7998}}` and **spoil** to be **divided** `{{H2505}}` among warriors. This stands as a raw depiction of the dehumanizing consequences of conflict.
* **The Corruption of Compassion:** The use of a word derived from **racham** `{{H7356}}`—a term almost exclusively associated with God's **tender mercy** and **compassion** ([[Hosea 2:19]], [[Daniel 9:9]])—to describe a spoil of war is profoundly jarring. It illustrates how a concept rooted in tenderness and life (the womb) can be twisted into an object of conquest.
* **A Unique Glimpse:** As `{{H7361}}` appears only once, it provides a unique and focused glimpse into a specific mindset. It is not a broad theological theme but a specific, dark brushstroke in the biblical narrative, highlighting the perspective of a victor expecting the spoils of war.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7361}}` **rachămâh** is a term of extreme rarity, defined as a **maiden** or **damsel**. Its sole appearance in scripture is in [[Judges 5:30]], where it is used in the context of dividing the spoils of war. Framed as **prey** `{{H7998}}` to be apportioned, its meaning is tied to conquest and objectification. The word's significance is amplified by its relationship to `{{H7356}}` **racham**, a term for compassion, creating a powerful and disturbing contrast between mercy and the brutal spoils of human conflict.
TRV