הָרֶה

הָרֶה

pregnant

Definition

The Hebrew noun הָרֶה (hâreh) specifically describes a woman in a state of pregnancy. It denotes the physical condition of carrying a child in the womb. While its primary meaning is 'pregnant,' its usage in biblical law, such as in Exodus 21:22, extends to the legal and ethical considerations surrounding a pregnant woman who is accidentally injured. In narrative contexts, it often marks a pivotal moment in a story, signaling the impending birth of a significant figure, as with Hagar in Genesis 16:11 or Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:5.

Biblical Usage

This word appears 15 times, primarily in narrative and legal texts. It is used to state a simple fact of pregnancy (Genesis 38:24, 1 Samuel 4:19) and in legal scenarios concerning harm to a pregnant woman (Exodus 21:22). It also features in prophetic oracles of judgment, where the violence against pregnant women is a symbol of extreme brutality (2 Kings 8:12, 15:16). The usage is consistent across books from Genesis to Kings.

Etymology

The noun הָרֶה (hâreh) is derived directly from the verbal root הָרָה (H2029), meaning 'to conceive' or 'to become pregnant.' An alternate form, הָרִי (hari), appears in Hosea 14:1. The word is a primary, concrete term for the state of pregnancy, directly linked to the action of conception.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as pregnancy in the Hebrew Bible is often the vehicle for God's covenantal promises. The announcement of a pregnancy, like that of Hagar (Genesis 16:11) or the unnamed woman in 2 Kings 4:17, frequently signals divine intervention and the unfolding of God's plan for a lineage or nation. Understanding this term highlights how physical birth is intertwined with spiritual promise and judgment, as seen in prophecies where harming the pregnant is a peak of covenant curse (e.g., 2 Kings 15:16, Amos 1:13). In ancient Israelite culture, pregnancy was a sign of blessing and continuity of the family line, essential for social and economic security. The specific legal protection for a pregnant woman in Exodus 21:22-25 underscores her valued status, as harm to her affected both her and the potential life within her, which had communal significance. The horror expressed in prophecies about violence against pregnant women (2 Kings 8:12) reflects a profound cultural violation. בֶּטֶן (beṭen, H990) — A more general term for 'womb' or 'belly,' which can imply pregnancy but more often denotes the physical organ or interior. הָרָה (hārâ, H2029) — The verbal root meaning 'to conceive, become pregnant,' focusing on the action rather than the state.

Word Details