### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉhêmâh**, represented by `{{H929}}`, is a general term for a **beast**, **cattle**, or any large quadruped. It appears 189 times across 172 unique verses, indicating its significance in describing the animal kingdom. While often translated as "cattle" in the context of livestock, it also broadly encompasses land animals and is frequently used to illustrate God's relationship with His entire earthly creation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H929}}` is used in several key contexts. It is introduced in the creation account, where God made the **cattle** (`bᵉhêmâh`) and gave humanity dominion over them [[Genesis 1:26]]. The word appears consistently in passages concerning divine judgment, which often extends to both humans and animals, as when the firstborn of the **cattle** in Egypt were struck down [[Exodus 12:29]] or when prophets warned that sword and pestilence would fall upon man and **beast** [[Jeremiah 21:6]]. Conversely, God's compassion and salvation also include them; He remembered all the **cattle** with Noah in the ark [[Genesis 8:1]] and expressed concern for the "much **cattle**" of Nineveh [[Jonah 4:11]]. Furthermore, `bᵉhêmâh` is integral to the Mosaic Law, which stipulates that **cattle** must rest on the Sabbath [[Exodus 20:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope and context of **bᵉhêmâh**:
* `{{H120}}` **ʼâdâm** (man): This word for humanity is frequently paired with `bᵉhêmâh` to show the full scope of God's actions, whether in creation [[Genesis 1:26]], divine preservation [[Psalms 36:6]], or judgment [[Ezekiel 14:19]].
* `{{H2416}}` **chay** (life or living thing): This broader term for any living creature, including wild animals, is sometimes used alongside `bᵉhêmâh`. The distinction is seen when the serpent is cursed "above all **cattle**" `{{H929}}` and "above every **beast** `{{H2416}}` of the field" [[Genesis 3:14]].
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (beef cattle or an animal of the ox family): As a more specific term for herds, `bâqâr` is sometimes listed separately from the general category of `bᵉhêmâh`. For example, the decree in Nineveh applied to man, **beast** `{{H929}}`, **herd** `{{H1241}}`, and flock [[Jonah 3:7]].
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn** (a flock (of sheep or goats)): Representing smaller livestock, this term is used with `bᵉhêmâh` to describe the full range of a person's livestock wealth, which would be blessed by God [[Deuteronomy 28:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H929}}` is significant, highlighting God's relationship with His entire creation.
* **Sovereignty Over Creation:** The use of `bᵉhêmâh` establishes God as the creator of all animal life and humanity as its appointed steward [[Genesis 1:26]]. God's absolute ownership is declared in scripture, as He claims "the **cattle** upon a thousand hills" as His own [[Psalms 50:10]].
* **Shared Fate of Man and Animal:** Scripture frequently links the destiny of humanity and animals. They are shown as co-recipients of divine judgment [[Zephaniah 1:3]] as well as divine blessing and restoration [[Ezekiel 36:11]]. This connection underscores the comprehensive impact of human sin and God's redemptive work.
* **A Symbol of Mortality:** Ecclesiastes uses `bᵉhêmâh` to make a profound point about the human condition. In physical death, a man "hath no preeminence above a **beast**" [[Ecclesiastes 3:19]], serving as a humbling reminder of humanity's creaturely status before God.
* **Inclusion in Covenantal Care:** The animal world, represented by `bᵉhêmâh`, is included within God's compassionate care. God preserves both man and **beast** [[Psalms 36:6]], and a righteous man is expected to show regard for the life of his **beast** [[Proverbs 12:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H929}}` is far more than a simple label for an animal. It is a foundational word used in contexts of creation, law, judgment, and salvation to define the animal kingdom's place in relation to God and humanity. It illustrates that God's sovereign plan and covenantal care extend beyond mankind to encompass the whole of His earthly creation, reminding us of both human responsibility and our shared creaturely existence with the **beast** of the field.
TRV