from an unused root probably meaning to eject; the fetus (as finally expelled); that cometh of, increase.
Transliteration:sheger
Pronunciation:sheh'-ger
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שֶׁגֶר (transliterated *sheger*, Strong's H7698) derives from an unused root, which is generally understood to convey the sense of "to eject" or "to cast forth." This etymological root illuminates the primary meaning of *sheger* as "the fetus (as finally expelled)," or more broadly, "that which comes forth" from the womb. In its biblical usage, *sheger* specifically refers to the "increase" or "offspring" of livestock, particularly cattle and sheep. It denotes the young animals that are born, emphasizing the result of procreation and birth within the animal kingdom. Its semantic range is thus confined to the progeny of flocks and herds, highlighting their fertility and abundance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *sheger* appears exclusively in the book of Deuteronomy, occurring five times. Each instance is deeply embedded within the covenantal framework, particularly in the sections outlining blessings and curses contingent upon Israel's obedience or disobedience to God's commands.
* In [[Deuteronomy 7:13]], *sheger* is listed as a component of God's promised blessings: "He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the flock of your sheep, in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you." Here, *sheger* signifies the abundant fertility of livestock, a direct manifestation of divine favor and provision.
* Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 28:4]] reiterates *sheger* as part of the blessings for obedience: "Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the increase of your cattle and the flock of your sheep, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock." This verse emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's blessing, extending to all forms of procreation and agricultural output.
* Conversely, *sheger* appears in the context of curses for disobedience in [[Deuteronomy 28:18]]: "Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle and the flock of your sheep, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock." Here, the absence or diminishment of *sheger* symbolizes divine judgment, representing a withholding of fertility and prosperity.
* Finally, [[Deuteronomy 28:51]] describes the devastating effects of siege and famine as a curse: "So they shall eat the increase of your cattle and the increase of your flock, which your God has given you, until you are destroyed." In this grim context, the *sheger* becomes sustenance for enemies, underscoring the severity of the curse and the complete loss of national prosperity.
Across these occurrences, *sheger* consistently refers to the young of cattle and sheep, serving as a tangible indicator of either divine blessing and prosperity or divine curse and desolation. Its pairing with "fruit of the womb" (human offspring) and "fruit of the ground" (agricultural produce) demonstrates its integral role in the holistic well-being and economic stability of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term *sheger* (H7698) is intrinsically linked to concepts of fertility, progeny, and divine provision. While specific to animal offspring, it shares conceptual space with broader terms for "fruit" or "offspring":
* `{{H6509}}` (*perî*): A very common word meaning "fruit," "produce," or "offspring." While *perî* can refer to human, animal, or plant progeny, *sheger* is more specialized, focusing exclusively on the increase of livestock and carrying the nuance of "that which is cast forth."
* `{{H3218}}` (*yeled*): Generally refers to a "child" or "boy," often human, but can sometimes denote the young of animals. *Sheger* is distinct in its specific focus on herds and flocks.
* `{{H2072}}` (*zera'*): Meaning "seed" or "offspring," a very broad term that can apply to humans, animals, or plants, and often carries genealogical or covenantal significance. *Sheger* describes the *result* of procreation, whereas *zera'* often refers to the lineage or potential for offspring.
* The animals themselves, `{{H1167}}` (*baqar*, "cattle") and `{{H6629}}` (*tso'n*, "flock" or "sheep"), are the specific categories whose "increase" is denoted by *sheger*. The word thus contextualizes the productivity of these vital resources.
* The underlying concept of "ejecting" or "casting forth" connects *sheger* to the physical act of birth, aligning it with the broader biblical understanding of God as the ultimate source of all life and fertility.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *sheger* is profound, particularly within the Deuteronomic covenant.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Fertility:** The consistent appearance of *sheger* in the blessing and curse sections of Deuteronomy underscores God's absolute control over the fertility of the land and its creatures. The "increase" of flocks and herds is not a natural outcome but a direct gift from Yahweh. Conversely, its absence or loss is a divine judgment. This highlights God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life, whose blessing brings abundance and whose curse brings barrenness.
2. **Covenantal Faithfulness and Prosperity:** For ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the fertility of livestock was crucial for economic stability and national well-being. The presence of abundant *sheger* was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those related to prosperity in the land He had given them. It served as a visible indicator of Israel's obedience and God's corresponding favor.
3. **Holistic Blessing and Curse:** By being consistently paired with "fruit of the womb" (human progeny) and "fruit of the ground" (agricultural produce), *sheger* forms part of a comprehensive picture of divine blessing or curse. This tripartite structure emphasizes that God's covenantal relationship impacts every sphere of life—human, animal, and agricultural—demonstrating His complete sovereignty over the entirety of creation and human existence.
4. **Consequences of Disobedience:** The inclusion of *sheger* in the curses vividly illustrates the severe consequences of covenant infidelity. The loss of livestock increase would not only signify divine displeasure but also lead to severe economic hardship, famine, and national vulnerability, underscoring the gravity of turning away from God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֶׁגֶר (*sheger*, H7698) refers specifically to the "increase" or "offspring" of livestock, particularly cattle and sheep, carrying the underlying sense of being "cast forth" or "expelled" from the womb. Its limited but significant occurrences in Deuteronomy firmly establish it within the covenantal context. *Sheger* serves as a crucial indicator of divine blessing, signifying abundant fertility and prosperity for obedient Israel, or conversely, as a sign of divine curse, portending barrenness, loss, and economic devastation for the disobedient. The word powerfully articulates God's sovereign control over all life and fertility, emphasizing that the well-being of His people, in every aspect—human, animal, and agricultural—is ultimately dependent upon their faithfulness to Him.
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