The Hebrew word sheger, represented by H7698, refers to that which is expelled, such as a fetus or offspring. Its primary meaning in scripture is increase, specifically concerning livestock. Based on an unused root meaning to eject, it appears 5 times across 5 unique verses, consistently linking agricultural prosperity to God's covenant.
In its biblical usage, H7698 is found almost exclusively in the context of covenantal blessings and curses. Four of its five appearances are in Deuteronomy, where the "increase of thy kine" is listed as a tangible sign of God's favor for obedience (Deuteronomy 7:13, Deuteronomy 28:4). Conversely, the lack of this increase, or its consumption by enemies, is a direct consequence of disobedience and a curse upon the land (Deuteronomy 28:18, Deuteronomy 28:51). The term is also used in Exodus to describe the offspring of an animal, specifying that "every firstling that cometh of a beast" must be set apart for the LORD H3068 Exodus 13:12.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of H7698 within its agricultural and legal contexts:
- H504 'eleph (kine, oxen): This word is directly paired with H7698 in four verses, specifying that the "increase" refers to cattle Deuteronomy 7:13. It can also denote a family, highlighting the connection between the growth of a household and its livestock.
- H6529 pᵉrîy (fruit): This term for fruit or reward is used in parallel with H7698 to describe the full scope of blessing, which includes "the fruit of thy body" and "the fruit of thy ground" alongside the increase of animals Deuteronomy 28:4.
- H6363 peṭer (firstling, openeth): In Exodus, H7698 is linked to peṭer to define which animals are consecrated to God: every firstling that "cometh of" H7698 a beast is considered one that "openeth the matrix" Exodus 13:12.
- H929 bᵉhêmâh (beast, cattle): This general term for an animal or beast provides the broader category from which the sheger comes Exodus 13:12. It is a key element of the blessing and cursing formulas (Deuteronomy 28:4, Deuteronomy 28:51).
The theological significance of H7698 is tied directly to the covenant between God and Israel.
- Covenantal Consequences: The increase of livestock serves as a physical barometer of Israel's faithfulness. Obedience leads to God blessing the sheger of the kine Deuteronomy 7:13, while disobedience leads to a curse on it Deuteronomy 28:18.
- Divine Provision: The word underscores God as the ultimate source of all abundance. He is the one who promises to love H157, bless H1288, and multiply H7235 his people, including their flocks and herds Deuteronomy 7:13.
- Sanctity of the Firstborn: By describing the firstling as that which "cometh of a beast" Exodus 13:12, the law establishes that the very first increase belongs to the LORD H3068, reinforcing the principle of consecration and divine ownership.
In summary, H7698 is a precise term that, while limited in use, carries significant weight. It translates the abstract concept of blessing into the tangible reality of livestock offspring. More than just agricultural gain, sheger represents a visible sign of the covenant relationship with God, illustrating his role as the source of all increase and the Lord to whom the first and best fruits belong.
TRV