חָרַג
𐤇𐤓𐤂
chârag
H2727 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To leap out or spring up, especially in a startled or alarmed manner; by extension, to be shocked, dismayed, or deeply disturbed. The root meaning centers on a physical, sudden movement, but the lexeme often connotes emotional or psychological shock or fear. The semantic range covers literal leaping or springing and figurative, sudden emotional reactions such as dismay or intense fear.
Semantic Range
to leap, to spring up, to start suddenly (literally); to be startled, to be dismayed, to be shocked, to be afraid (figuratively)
Root / Etymology
Root חרג, which in its nominal form can be related to movement or leaping. The Hebrew root חרג likely carries the idea of sudden physical or emotional movement. The verb form reflects an instantaneous, often involuntary action (literally to spring up, figuratively to be alarmed). Derivation is from the basic root meaning 'to leap.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
חָרַג is a rare verb in the Hebrew Bible, and its sense is primarily reconstructed from context and related Semitic cognates. While ancient translations and some lexicographers have emphasized the emotional sense (to be dismayed or afraid), the literal sense of 'leap' likely underlies these reactions. Particularly in poetry and prophetic texts, where sudden alarm or rapid movement are invoked, חָרַג may occur to describe the startled reaction of individuals or groups. The word does not specifically refer to terror or panic, but to sudden startlement or a jolt of dismay. English translations have often preferred 'be afraid' or 'be dismayed,' but these should be understood as drawing from the physical action of leaping or starting suddenly due to surprise or alarm. The root is distinct from other common Hebrew roots for fear (e.g., ירא 'to fear, be in awe of; חרד 'to tremble, fear') both in nuance and potential original imagery.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to leap suddenly, i.e. (by implication) to be dismayed; be afraid.
Bantu Hebrew
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חרג (ḥ-r-g) — to leap, spring, start suddenly
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2728 | חָרְגֹּל | the leaping locust |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2727-01 |
וְ֝/יַחְרְג֗וּ | veyacheregu | HC/Vqi3mp |
and come trembling | and they will spring up | and they will tremble | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2727-01 |
Psalms 18:46 | וְ֝/יַחְרְג֗וּ | veyacheregu | HC/Vqi3mp |
and come trembling | and they will spring up | and they will tremble |