from רָעָה in the sense of feeding; pasture (the place or the act); also the haunt of wild animals; feeding place, pasture.
Transliteration:mirʻeh
Pronunciation:meer-eh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mirʻeh (מִרְעֶה, `{{H4829}}`) derives from the verbal root רָעָה (raʻah), which carries the core meaning of "to feed," "to tend," or "to shepherd." Consequently, mirʻeh primarily designates a "pasture" or "grazing ground," referring to the physical place where flocks find sustenance. Beyond the geographical location, it can also denote the "act of feeding" or "grazing." The base definition further extends its semantic range to include "the haunt of wild animals," underscoring its fundamental connection to any place where animals, whether domesticated or wild, find necessary provision for survival. Thus, mirʻeh signifies a locale of sustenance, provision, and often, rest, essential for the flourishing of both livestock and, metaphorically, human beings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mirʻeh appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently highlighting its role as a place of vital provision. In narrative contexts, it often denotes the practical necessity of land for animal husbandry. For instance, Jacob's family seeks mirʻeh for their flocks in Goshen, a fertile region in Egypt, emphasizing the practical need for suitable grazing land for their sustenance ([[Genesis 47:4]]). Similarly, the tribes of Reuben and Gad request territory east of the Jordan specifically for mirʻeh for their abundant livestock, prior to entering Canaan ([[Numbers 32:4]]). In [[1 Chronicles 4:40-41]], the descendants of Ham find "rich and good mirʻeh" in the land, illustrating ideal conditions for prosperity and well-being.
The most iconic and theologically rich usage of mirʻeh is found in [[Psalm 23:2]], where the divine Shepherd "makes me lie down in green mirʻeh." Here, the literal concept of a verdant pasture transcends mere physical sustenance, becoming a powerful metaphor for God's comprehensive provision, rest, and security for His people. Prophetic literature frequently employs mirʻeh in the context of divine shepherding. In [[Jeremiah 23:4]], God promises to raise up faithful shepherds who will feed His flock on good mirʻeh, contrasting with the failed leadership of unfaithful rulers. Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 34:14]], God declares, "I will feed them with good mirʻeh," promising restoration and care for His scattered flock, and contrasting this with the polluted mirʻeh left by selfish shepherds ([[Ezekiel 34:18]]). The term also appears in more descriptive contexts, such as the wild ox's instinctual search for "every green mirʻeh" in [[Job 39:8]]. Across these varied contexts, mirʻeh consistently points to a place of essential provision, often characterized by abundance and security, whether literal or symbolic.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to mirʻeh is its root verb, רָעָה (raʻah), which means "to shepherd," "to feed," or "to tend." This root gives rise to ro'eh (רֹעֶה), meaning "shepherd," establishing a direct semantic link between the one who tends and the place where the flock is tended. Other related terms and concepts include:
* desheʼ (דֶּשֶׁא, `{{H1877}}`): "grass" or "green herb," often appearing in conjunction with mirʻeh to describe the lushness of the pasture (e.g., "green pastures").
* mayim menuchot (מֵי מְנוּחֹת): "still waters," which in [[Psalm 23:2]] is paired with "green pastures," collectively symbolizing a place of deep rest, refreshment, and peace.
* nachalah (נַחֲלָה, `{{H5159}}`): "inheritance" or "possession," as land designated for mirʻeh often formed a crucial part of a family or tribal inheritance.
* The broader concepts associated with mirʻeh include provision, sustenance, rest, security, divine care, shepherding, blessing, and abundance, all of which are integral to understanding its full biblical significance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mirʻeh is profound, particularly as it illuminates the character of God and His relationship with His people.
* **Divine Provision and Care:** Most eloquently expressed in [[Psalm 23:2]], mirʻeh becomes a powerful symbol of God's comprehensive and gracious provision. As the Divine Shepherd, He leads His flock to "green pastures," signifying not only physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment, peace, and security. This imagery conveys a sense of complete well-being and contentment found solely in His care.
* **Covenantal Blessing:** In an agrarian society, the availability of good mirʻeh was directly linked to the prosperity of flocks, which were a primary source of wealth and sustenance. Thus, access to abundant pastures was often seen as a tangible sign of God's covenantal blessing and faithfulness to His people.
* **The Shepherding Metaphor:** The concept of mirʻeh is foundational to the pervasive biblical metaphor of God as the ultimate Shepherd and His people as His flock. This is extensively developed in prophetic books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, where God contrasts His faithful shepherding—leading His flock to good mirʻeh—with the destructive neglect of human leaders. This highlights God's commitment to gather, protect, and sustain His true flock.
* **Rest and Renewal:** Beyond mere food, the "green pastures" of mirʻeh imply a place of rest, where the flock can lie down in security. Theologically, this extends to the spiritual realm, where God provides a haven of peace, renewal, and restoration for the soul weary from life's journey.
* **Judgment and Restoration:** The state of the mirʻeh can also serve as a barometer of divine favor or judgment. Barren pastures might signify divine displeasure, while the promise of leading His people to "good mirʻeh" often accompanies prophecies of restoration after exile or periods of unfaithfulness.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mirʻeh (מִרְעֶה, `{{H4829}}`) fundamentally denotes a "pasture" or "grazing ground," deriving from the root רָעָה (to feed/shepherd). Its semantic range encompasses both the physical place of sustenance and the act of feeding, occasionally extending to the haunts of wild animals. Biblically, mirʻeh consistently signifies a place of vital provision, often characterized by abundance and security, essential for the well-being of livestock and, by extension, human communities. Its most profound theological significance is found in its metaphorical usage, particularly in [[Psalm 23:2]], where "green pastures" symbolize God's comprehensive, loving provision, leading His people to rest, security, and spiritual nourishment. It underscores the divine role as the ultimate Shepherd who ensures the sustenance and flourishing of His flock, reflecting covenantal blessing, promised restoration, and the deep peace found in His faithful care.
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