רֶ֫חֶם (re.chem)
re.chem
womb
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun rechem refers directly to the womb, the physical place where life begins and develops. In the Old Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from the birth narratives of patriarchs like Isaac (Genesis 29:31) to descriptions of animal sacrifices that must come "from the womb" (Exodus 13:2). The word anchors human existence in a tangible, biological reality, marking the beginning of life as a distinct event.
Its usage often emphasizes God’s sovereign role in creation. When Jeremiah describes being chosen before birth, he speaks of being set apart "in the womb" (Jeremiah 1:5), highlighting that divine purpose precedes physical formation. Similarly, Job reflects on how God knit him together there (Job 31:15). This connects the word to themes of intimacy and origin, suggesting that life is not accidental but intentionally formed.
While primarily denoting the anatomical organ, rechem can also carry a broader sense related to compassion or mercy in other Hebrew roots, though here it stays focused on the physical source of life. Translators consistently render it as "womb" or occasionally "matrix," preserving the concrete image of the inner chamber where new life is nurtured before emerging into the world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rechem points to the physical place where life begins, grounding our existence in a tangible reality. In the Old Testament, it appears in stories of barrenness and birth, showing that human origins are not accidents but part of a larger divine plan. When Scripture speaks of God opening or closing the womb, it highlights His sovereign care over every stage of life.
This concept offers comfort to those who feel overlooked or uncertain about their purpose. Jeremiah’s experience reminds us that being known by God precedes physical formation, suggesting that our value is established before we even enter the world. Similarly, Job reflects on how God knit him together there, emphasizing intimacy and intentionality in creation.
Understanding rechem helps us see life as a gift shaped with care. Whether in moments of joy or struggle, this word invites trust in the One who forms us. It encourages gratitude for the beginning of life and hope in the purpose behind it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ [the] womb6×
- a womb6×
- womb/ her4×
- womb3×
- from/ [the] womb of2×
- in the/ womb1×
- and/ womb/ her1×
- [the] womb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֶ֖חֶם4×
- מֵ/רֶ֣חֶם4×
- רַחְמָֽ/הּ\׃3×
- רֶ֙חֶם֙2×
- רַחְמָ֑/הּ1×
- רֶ֨חֶם\׀1×
- רֶ֣חֶם1×
- רֶ֠חֶם1×
- רֶ֜חֶם1×
- מֵ֭/רֶחֶם1×
- מֵ/רָ֑חֶם1×
- מֵ/רֶ֥חֶם1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
This verse connects the womb to God’s foreknowledge and calling, showing that divine purpose precedes physical formation.
-
Genesis 29:31
Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
Here, the opening of Leah’s womb demonstrates God’s intervention in human suffering and barrenness.
-
Job 31:15
Didn’t he who made me in the womb make him? Didn’t one fashion us in the womb?
Job uses this word to affirm that God is the common Creator of all people, regardless of their background.
-
Exodus 13:2
“Sanctify to me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine.”
This command sanctifies firstborn children and animals, linking the womb to consecration and belonging to God.