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Word Study
"CONCEPTION" as used in Genesis 3:16
It is not possible to use the usual Word Study format for this page since we
are not sure just how the word spelled HRN, [
HRN
]in the Hebrew should be translated. However, the following information
brings grave doubt that it should have been translated as conception.
Conception in the Hebrew is spelled HRJWN [HRJWN]in
Ruth 4:13 and Hosea 9:1. two letters shorter than the word found in
Genesis 3:16. It should be noted that the J in HRJWN [
HRJWN ]is a root consonant and as such it can not
be omitted. So how can one say that HRJWN [ HRJWN
]and HRN [ HRN ] are the same word?
The Septuagint, the Old Testament translated into Greek by Hebrew scholars
renders the word HRN [ HRN ]as sighing. The
Septuagint was the version of scripture quoted by Christ and the Apostles.
There is a great deal of difference in telling Eve that as a consequence of her
actions her sighing would increase, and telling her that God has chosen to
punish her by multiplying her ability to conceive.
We cannot be sure what the translation of HRN [ HRN
] should be. However, it is unlikely that conception should be considered
among the possibilities. (1)
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1 For a deeper understanding of the difficulty in translating this word see
lessons 1, 2 and 14 in Katharine Bushnell's God's Word to Women.
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