Harigah (הֲרִיגָה, H2028) is a noun meaning slaughter, killing, destruction by the sword. It derives from the root harag (H2026, to kill/slay) and appears in Proverbs 24:11 — 'Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter (harigah).' The word describes violent, intentional killing — whether in warfare, judicial execution, or murder — and carries the weight of irreversible finality.
Proverbs 24:11–12 is one of Scripture's most direct commands for social justice and active intervention: 'Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?' The use of harigah here creates urgency — this is not metaphorical death but literal, imminent killing. God holds those who could intervene but choose ignorance accountable. The verse resonates through history as a call against passive complicity in genocide, injustice, and oppression. Theologically, it roots human responsibility to protect life in God's own character: He is the God who hears the blood of Abel crying from the ground (Genesis 4:10) and who commanded 'You shall not murder' (Exodus 20:13). The prevention of harigah is an expression of the image of God.