The term "conceiveth" in the Bible refers to the act of becoming pregnant or the inception of life within the womb. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life and creation. The act of conception is often seen as a divine blessing and a fulfillment of God's promises.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "conceive" is "הרה" (harah). One of the earliest mentions of conception is found in Genesis 4:1, where Eve conceives and bears Cain: "Now Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. 'With the help of the LORD, I have brought forth a man,' she said." . This passage highlights the belief that conception is an act involving divine assistance.

The account of Sarah, Abraham's wife, also emphasizes the miraculous nature of conception. In Genesis 21:2, despite her old age, Sarah conceives Isaac: "So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." . This event underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant and the importance of faith in His promises.

Hannah's account in 1 Samuel 1:20 further illustrates the theme of divine intervention in conception. After fervent prayer, Hannah conceives Samuel: "So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I have asked for him from the LORD.'" . This narrative highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the desires of the faithful.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek word "συλλαμβάνω" (syllambanō) is used to describe conception. The most significant instance is the conception of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:20, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." . This miraculous conception is central to Christian theology, affirming the divine nature of Jesus and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, also experiences a miraculous conception in her old age. Luke 1:24 states, "After these days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion." . This event is seen as a precursor to the coming of Christ and a testament to God's power and plan.

Theological Implications

Conception in the Bible is not merely a biological process but is imbued with spiritual significance. It is often portrayed as a direct result of God's will and intervention. The ability to conceive is frequently linked to divine favor and the continuation of God's covenant with His people. The narratives surrounding conception often serve to demonstrate God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

The biblical view of conception also underscores the sanctity of life from its earliest stages. Passages such as Psalm 139:13-14, "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made," reflect the belief in God's intimate involvement in the creation of life, affirming the inherent value and dignity of every human being.

In summary, the concept of "conceiveth" in the Bible is rich with meaning, reflecting both the miraculous nature of life and the profound theological truths about God's interaction with humanity.

O Father! Send Thy Spirit Down.
... and frees the heart again From everything that grieveth; And when misfortunes
o'er us low'r He shields us better in their hour, Than ever heart conceiveth. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/o father send thy spirit.htm

Evening Blessing.
... Break forth, my heart, in singing, Praise to thy Maker bringing, Who soul and body
giveth, More good than heart conceiveth, Or tongue can ever tell; No moment ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/evening blessing.htm

Marah
... For the love of Christ has filled me. With His sweetest plenishing. Joy no thought
of man conceiveth,. Howsoever deep his lore; None can tell but he who hath it ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/marah.htm

Of the Last Day.
... I delight in Thee, Thou ne'er shalt go from me, Thy hand in bounty giveth More than
my heart conceiveth, Or I can e'er be counting, So high Thy mercy's mounting ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/of the last day.htm

Psalm CXLVI.
... and says, "Praise the Lord, O my soul."...The soul itself giveth itself counsel
from the light of God by the reasonable mind, whereby it conceiveth the wisdom ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvi.htm

Written Contracts in the Name of Idols. Tacit Consent.
... chapter.--Tr. [336] Mr. Dodgson renders "conceiveth;" and the word is certainly
capable of that meaning. [337] See Matthew 5:28. [338 ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xxiii written contracts in the.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... First the mind conceiveth through Beliar, and first there is envy; secondly,
desperation; thirdly, tribulation; fourthly, captivity; fifthly, neediness; sixthly ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... We will not preach any such doctrine, as to discharge any to come to Christ, till
they be wearied and loaden; for, when a man conceiveth that he wanteth that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii thou shall keep.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... Not only the spiteful mother that conceiveth such spurious brats, but the midwife
that helpeth to bring them forth, the nurse that feedeth them, the guardian ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to the Killing and ...
... may say, If I were kept from yielding, my wrestling and standing would yield me
some comfort; but when lust so stirreth, as that it conceiveth and bringeth ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter vi how christ is.htm

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)
...Conceiveth (27 Occurrences). Genesis 4:1 And the man knew Eve his wife, and she
conceiveth and beareth Cain, and saith, 'I have gotten a man by Jehovah;' (YLT). ...
/c/conceiveth.htm - 13k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Genesis 4:1 And the man knew Eve his wife, and she conceiveth and beareth
Cain, and saith, 'I have gotten a man by Jehovah;' (YLT). ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

Conceiving (8 Occurrences)
... YLT). 2 Samuel 11:5 and the woman conceiveth, and sendeth, and declareth
to David, and saith, 'I 'am' conceiving.' (YLT). Isaiah 7 ...
/c/conceiving.htm - 9k

Calleth (261 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:17 and Cain knoweth his wife, and she conceiveth, and beareth Enoch; and
he is building a city, and he calleth the name of the city, according to the ...
/c/calleth.htm - 35k

Conceives (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV). Psalms 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; yea, he conceiveth
mischief, and bringeth forth falsehood. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/conceives.htm - 7k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:33 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith, 'Because Jehovah
hath heard that I 'am' the hated one, He also giveth to me even this 'one ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Groweth (29 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 2:21 When Jehovah hath looked after Hannah, then she conceiveth and beareth
three sons and two daughters; and the youth Samuel groweth up with Jehovah ...
/g/groweth.htm - 15k

Weaneth (2 Occurrences)
... Pharaoh in the midst of the sons of Pharaoh. (YLT). Hosea 1:8 And she weaneth
Lo-Ruhamah, and conceiveth, and beareth a son; (YLT). ...
/w/weaneth.htm - 6k

Revolution (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 1:20 and it cometh to pass, at the revolution of the days, that Hannah
conceiveth, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Samuel, 'for, from Jehovah ...
/r/revolution.htm - 10k

Ribbon (7 Occurrences)
... thee?' and she saith, 'Thy seal, and thy ribbon, and thy staff which 'is' in thy
hand;' and he giveth to her, and goeth in unto her, and she conceiveth to him ...
/r/ribbon.htm - 9k

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