from רָעָה in the sense of companionship; a friend; companion, friend.
Transliteration:mêrêaʻ
Pronunciation:may-ray'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מֵרֵעַ (mêrêaʻ), transliterated as *mêrêaʻ*, is derived from the root רָעָה (raʻah), which fundamentally conveys the idea of "to feed," "to shepherd," or "to associate with." In the context of מֵרֵעַ, the root's meaning shifts to emphasize "association" or "companionship." This word denotes a close associate, a companion, or a friend, highlighting the relational aspect of shared life, activity, or purpose. It implies a degree of intimacy, familiarity, and often mutual trust, distinguishing it from a mere acquaintance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֵרֵעַ appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are notably impactful:
* [[Judges 7:13]]: In this narrative, Gideon overhears a Midianite soldier recounting a dream to his "companion" (מֵרֵעַ). Here, the term describes a fellow soldier or tent-mate, indicating someone with whom one shares close quarters and confidences.
* [[2 Samuel 15:37]]: Hushai is identified as David's "friend" (מֵרֵעַ), who returns to Jerusalem to counter Absalom's counsel. This instance highlights a loyal and trusted confidant, one who shares the king's interests and welfare, demonstrating deep allegiance.
* [[Proverbs 27:9]]: This proverb states, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend (מֵרֵעַ) comes from earnest counsel." This usage underscores the positive, supportive, and beneficial nature of true friendship, particularly in the context of offering wise and sincere advice.
* [[Jeremiah 3:1]]: The Lord laments Israel's unfaithfulness, posing a rhetorical question about a woman returning to her "husband's friend" (מֵרֵעַ). In this metaphorical context for Israel's spiritual adultery, מֵרֵעַ refers to a paramour or illicit lover, contrasting sharply with the loyalty expected in true companionship and highlighting a relationship that has become illegitimate.
* [[Jeremiah 13:14]]: God declares His judgment, stating He will dash people against one another, "both father and son together," and "one against another, and the inhabitants against his neighbor (מֵרֵעַ)". Here, it signifies a close neighbor or fellow citizen, emphasizing the breakdown of societal bonds due to divine wrath.
* [[Jeremiah 16:5]]: As part of a prophecy of judgment, Jeremiah is commanded not to enter a house of mourning or feasting, because God has removed His peace, steadfast love, and mercy from the people and their "companions" (מֵרֵעַ). This underscores the loss of communal solidarity and affection under divine disfavor.
* [[Jeremiah 19:9]]: A horrific image of extreme famine is presented, where people will eat the flesh of their "companions" (מֵרֵעַ). This depicts the ultimate breakdown of humanity and social order under severe judgment, illustrating the most profound betrayal.
* [[Jeremiah 29:23]]: The false prophets Zedekiah and Ahab are condemned for committing "detestable things in Israel, for committing adultery with their neighbors' wives" (מֵרֵעַ). This again points to the violation of trust within close social circles and the perversion of intimate relationships.
* [[Lamentations 1:2]]: Jerusalem laments that "none of her lovers comfort her; all her friends (מֵרֵעַ) have dealt treacherously with her." This highlights the profound pain of betrayal and abandonment by those who were once close and trusted.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **רֵעַ (reaʻ) `{{H7453}}`**: This is the most common and direct cognate, meaning "friend," "neighbor," or "companion." מֵרֵעַ often carries a similar connotation but can sometimes imply a more specific or intimate kind of companion/confidant. The prefixed מֵ (me-) can denote a source, agent, or place, possibly suggesting "one who is from/of companionship" or "one who provides companionship."
* **אַלּוּף (alluph) `{{H441}}`**: While often translated as "chief" or "leader," it can also mean "friend" in contexts such as [[Proverbs 16:28]] or [[Jeremiah 11:19]], denoting a close, guiding companion.
* **אָח (ach) `{{H251}}`**: Meaning "brother," this term can extend to very close friends or allies, reflecting a familial bond of loyalty and closeness.
* **אָהַב (ahev) `{{H157}}`**: The verb "to love," from which אָהֵב (ohev), meaning "lover" or "friend," is derived. This emphasizes affection as the underlying basis of the relationship.
* The concept of חֶסֶד (chesed) `{{H2617}}`, meaning "loyal love," "steadfast love," or "mercy," is often implicitly linked to the ideal of מֵרֵעַ. True companionship, in its most biblical sense, is characterized by such enduring loyalty and care.
### Theological Significance
The concept of מֵרֵעַ profoundly reflects the importance of human relationships and community within the biblical worldview. God, who exists in perfect fellowship, created humanity for fellowship, both with Himself and with one another. The ideal מֵרֵעַ embodies loyalty, trustworthiness, and supportive counsel, reflecting aspects of God's own faithfulness to His covenant people.
However, the frequent appearance of מֵרֵעַ in Jeremiah's prophecies of judgment provides a stark theological contrast. These passages highlight the tragic breakdown of essential human bonds due to sin and covenant unfaithfulness. The violation of trust among מֵרֵעַ (e.g., adultery with a neighbor's wife, the horrific image of eating a companion's flesh) serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel's spiritual adultery and the catastrophic consequences of turning away from God. It illustrates the depth of societal decay and divine judgment when the foundational principles of love, loyalty, and trust are abandoned. Thus, מֵרֵעַ serves as a theological barometer for the health of human society and its relationship with a covenant-keeping God.
### Summary
מֵרֵעַ (mêrêaʻ) is a Hebrew term denoting a close companion or friend, rooted in the concept of association and shared life. While it describes valuable, supportive relationships in texts like [[Proverbs 27:9]] and [[2 Samuel 15:37]], its most poignant and frequent uses appear in the prophetic book of Jeremiah. There, מֵרֵעַ often illustrates the catastrophic collapse of social and relational trust, serving as a vivid consequence of divine judgment and Israel's unfaithfulness. The term thus functions as a powerful lens through which to examine both the beauty of human companionship and the devastating effects of sin on communal bonds, underscoring the theological importance of loyalty, trust, and the profound tragedy of their betrayal. It is closely related to רֵעַ `{{H7453}}`, sharing a similar semantic field but often carrying a nuance of deeper intimacy or specific relational context.
TRV