### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sôwrâh**, represented by `{{H7795}}`, is defined as **principal**. Its base meaning comes from a primitive root suggesting a ring or, by analogy, a row. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of `{{H7795}}` occurs in [[Isaiah 28:25]], where it is used adverbially within an agricultural parable. The passage describes the deliberate actions of a farmer: "When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the **principal** wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place?" [[Isaiah 28:25]]. In this context, **sôwrâh** designates the wheat as the primary or most important crop being planted in an orderly and purposeful manner.
### Related Words & Concepts
The immediate context of `{{H7795}}` involves several key agricultural and procedural terms:
* `{{H2406}}` **chiṭṭâh** (wheat): This is the crop that `sôwrâh` modifies, identifying it as the main grain. **Wheat** is frequently mentioned in scripture as a symbol of blessing and provision, as God promises to feed his people with the "finest of the **wheat**" [[Psalms 81:16]] in a land of **wheat** and barley [[Deuteronomy 8:8]].
* `{{H8184}}` **sᵉʻôrâh** (barley): Planted alongside the principal wheat, **barley** is another essential grain described as "appointed" `{{H5567}}`. It is listed as a blessing of the promised land [[Deuteronomy 8:8]] and appears in the context of the harvest [[2 Samuel 21:9]].
* `{{H1367}}` **gᵉbûwlâh** (place): This word, which indicates where the rie is planted, generally means a **boundary, region, or border**. It reinforces the theme of order by showing that each crop is sown in its proper territory. The concept extends to God setting the **bounds** of the nations [[Deuteronomy 32:8]] and the **borders** of the earth [[Psalms 74:17]].
* `{{H2236}}` **zâraq** (scatter): Describing how cummin is sown, this word means to **sprinkle or scatter**. It is also used in significant covenantal acts, such as when Moses **sprinkled** blood on the people and the altar ([[Exodus 24:6]], [[Exodus 24:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7795}}` is derived entirely from its singular, illustrative context in Isaiah.
* **Principle of Divine Order:** The farmer's methodical process—making the ground plain `{{H7737}}`, casting abroad `{{H6327}}` certain seeds, and scattering `{{H2236}}` others—is a metaphor for God's wisdom and purpose. Everything is done in its right time and place.
* **Concept of Priority:** By describing the wheat `{{H2406}}` as "**principal**," the text introduces a concept of hierarchy and focus. It suggests that within God's larger plan, certain elements hold primary importance and are treated accordingly.
* **Purposeful Placement:** The act of casting the "**principal** wheat" into the field alongside other appointed grains highlights that every part of God's work has a specific role and designated location to fulfill His overarching design.
### Summary
In summary, though `{{H7795}}` is used only once, its role as **principal** is vital to understanding the agricultural metaphor in [[Isaiah 28:25]]. It elevates a simple description of farming into a profound illustration of divine wisdom. The word conveys a sense of priority and order, showing that in God's plan, every element is placed with deliberate purpose, with some components, like the "principal wheat," serving a primary function.
TRV