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Biblical Meaning and Context The Hebrew word הָרָה (hārāh), identified as H2030 in Strong's, is a feminine noun meaning "pregnant" or "with child." It comes from the root הָרָה (H2029), which is a verb meaning "to conceive" or "to become pregnant."
or הָרִי chari (Hosea 14:1); from H2029; pregnant: - to conceive, to be pregnant, (to be, a woman) with child.
Biblical Use This word is used in various Old Testament passages to describe women who are pregnant or in a state of gestation. Some examples include:
Genesis 16:11: "Then the angel of the Lord said to her, 'Behold, you are with child (הָרָה) and will bear a son, and you shall call his name Ishmael...'"
Exodus 21:22: "If men strive together and beat a pregnant woman (הָרָה) so that she miscarries..."
Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will conceive (הָרָה) and will bear a son..."
Jeremiah 20:17: "He did not kill my mother, that I should be his son; and my mother would have been my grave, and her womb would be with child (הָרָה) forever." Amos 1:13: "Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have cut open the women with children (הָרוֹת) of Gilead..."
Theological Implications The state of pregnancy or conception in the Bible often has significant connotations. In many cases, pregnancy is seen as a divine blessing, a sign of favor, and the fulfillment of promises. For example, Sarah's pregnancy in her old age was a miracle that fulfilled God's promise to make Abraham a great nation. Furthermore, passages such as Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the virgin birth of a son named Immanuel, have profound messianic and theological implications. |