The Hebrew word ʼayeleth, represented by H365, is defined as a doe or hind. Its base definition is the same as אַיָּלָה and includes the proper name Aijeleth. This term appears 3 times across 3 unique verses, making each occurrence distinct in its context, ranging from a psalm title to a metaphor for a wife.
In its biblical appearances, H365 is used in several specific ways. In the title of Psalms 22, it is part of the phrase "Aijeleth Shahar" Psalms 22:1. In Proverbs, it serves as a tender metaphor, comparing a beloved wife to a "loving hind" Proverbs 5:19, symbolizing grace and affection. In a prophetic context, Jeremiah uses the image of a literal hind in a field that has calved and then abandoned its young because of a drought, illustrating a state of extreme desperation Jeremiah 14:5.
Two related words provide additional context to the meaning of H365:
- H3280 yaʻălâh (roe): This word for an ibex or roe appears directly alongside H365 in Proverbs 5:19, where a wife is described as a "loving hind and pleasant roe," creating a parallel image of a cherished and graceful spouse.
- H5800 ʻâzab (to loosen... forsake... leave): This word thematically links two of the three occurrences of H365. The hind in the field forsook her young due to lack of grass Jeremiah 14:5, while the psalm titled "Aijeleth Shahar" begins with the cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Psalms 22:1.
The theological weight of H365 is seen through its symbolic applications.
- Marital Love: The use of "hind" in Proverbs 5:19 establishes a biblical ideal for marital affection, portraying the wife as a source of grace and delight.
- Covenantal Desperation: In Jeremiah, the hind forsaking her young—an unnatural act—serves as a powerful sign of judgment and the devastating consequences of turning from God Jeremiah 14:5.
- Lament and Suffering: Its use in the title "Aijeleth Shahar" in Psalms 22 connects the term to one of scripture's most profound laments, expressing a deep sense of abandonment by God Psalms 22:1. The theme of being forsaken connects the suffering of nature with the suffering of the psalmist.
In summary, H365 is a highly specific term whose significance is amplified by its context. While it literally means a doe or hind, it functions as a rich symbol in Scripture. It represents the beauty of marital love, the desperation of a land under judgment, and is associated with the profound anguish of feeling forsaken by God, demonstrating how a simple nature-based word can convey deep theological truths.
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