הַרְהֹר
𐤄𐤓𐤄𐤓
harhôr
H2031 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A thought, idea, or mental consideration; specifically a conception or musing formed internally in the mind. In Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, typically refers to an internal deliberation, intention, or meditation as a cognitive process and not an external speech.
Semantic Range
thought, idea, mental conception, meditation, internal deliberation
Root / Etymology
The term הַרְהֹר derives from an Aramaic root corresponding to Hebrew הָרָה (harah), 'to conceive' (used primarily of conceiving in the womb), but here applied to mental conception or cogitation. The root in the Aramaic context relates to the act of conceiving or generating thoughts internally.
Historical & Contextual Notes
הַרְהֹר occurs uniquely within the Aramaic portions of the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Daniel (Daniel 2:29, 30), where it denotes 'thoughts' or 'meditations' arising in the mind, often in relation to dreams or divine communications. While its Hebrew cognate root primarily denotes physical conception, the Aramaic form emphasizes the ideational or cognitive sphere. The standard English translation 'thought' accurately captures the basic sense but may not convey the nuance of inner deliberation or conceptualization inherent in the original context. This term is distinct from other Aramaic or Hebrew words for thought (e.g., עִדָּן in Daniel for 'moment' or לֵב 'heart/mind' as the seat of cognition) in that it specifically focuses on the origination or formation of an idea rather than general mental activity. The usage is limited, and the word does not develop significant semantic changes across biblical periods, given its rarity and restriction to the imperial Aramaic literary context. Later translations, including the Septuagint, render it as 'thought' or 'consideration,' but do not import later philosophical concepts of mind or intellect.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to הָרָה; a mental conception; thought.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
הרה (h-r-h) — conceive, generate, bring forth
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2031-01 |
וְ/הַרְהֹרִין֙ | veharehorin | AC/Ncmpa |
and thoughts | and conceived thoughts | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2031-01 |
Daniel 4:2 | וְ/הַרְהֹרִין֙ | veharehorin | AC/Ncmpa |
and thoughts | and conceived thoughts |