הֲרֵגָה (ha.re.gah)
ha.re.gah
(Topheth of) Slaughter
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun haregah denotes a killing or slaughter, carrying the weight of violent death rather than natural demise. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears in only five verses, concentrating its impact within the prophetic literature of Jeremiah and Zechariah.
Its most significant usage occurs when paired with Topheth, forming the phrase "Topheth of Slaughter." This combination appears in Jeremiah 7:31-32 and 19:6 to describe the valley outside Jerusalem where child sacrifice took place. The word underscores the gravity of these acts, framing them not as religious rites but as horrific murders that defile the land.
Translators typically render haregah simply as "slaughter" or "killing," yet the context reveals a deeper theological indictment. By linking this term to Topheth, the prophets highlight how idolatry transforms sacred spaces into sites of extreme violence, turning worship into an act of destruction against God’s image.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word haregah describes a violent killing, often on a large scale. In Scripture, it appears only five times, mostly in the books of Jeremiah and Zechariah. These passages use the term to describe tragic events where people were killed or led to death. The context is usually one of judgment or deep sorrow, showing how sin and violence can lead to destruction.
For your faith life, this word reminds us of the seriousness of violence and the value God places on human life. It shows that God sees suffering and does not ignore it. When we read about slaughter in the Bible, we are invited to reflect on the cost of sin and the need for peace. It calls us to care for the vulnerable and to seek justice in our own communities.
Ultimately, these verses point to a world broken by violence but held by God’s sovereignty. Even in times of great trouble, God is present with those who suffer. We can trust that He hears the cries of the oppressed and works toward a day when violence will no longer exist. This hope encourages us to live with compassion and integrity today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ slaughter4×
- slaughter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/הֲרֵגָֽה\׃2×
- הַֽ/הֲרֵגָ֔ה1×
- הַ/הֲרֵגָ֑ה1×
- הֲרֵגָֽה\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 7:32
Therefore behold, the days come”, says Yahweh, “that it will no more be called ‘Topheth’ or ‘The valley of the son of Hinnom’, but ‘The valley of Slaughter’; for they will bury in Topheth until there is no place to bury.
This verse redefines the Valley of Hinnom as a place of slaughter, showing how idolatry leads to devastating consequences for the people.
-
Jeremiah 19:6
Therefore, behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that this place will no more be called ‘Topheth’, nor ‘The Valley of the son of Hinnom’, but ‘The valley of Slaughter’.
Here the name change signifies that God will allow enemies to kill those who refused to repent, turning a sacred valley into a site of death.
-
Zechariah 11:4
Yahweh my God says: “Feed the flock of slaughter.
The command to feed the 'flock of slaughter' highlights the vulnerability of God's people under poor leadership and impending judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word haregah mean?
Why is haregah used in Jeremiah 7:32?
How is haregah different from other words for death?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Jeremiah 3 verses
Therefore behold, the days come”, says Yahweh, “that it will no more be called ‘Topheth’ or ‘The valley of the son of…
Jeremiah 12:3But you, Yahweh, know me. You see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and…
Jeremiah 19:6Therefore, behold, the days come,” says Yahweh, “that this place will no more be called ‘Topheth’, nor ‘The Valley of…