The Hebrew word mirʻeh, represented by H4829, is a term for pasture. It appears 13 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the root H7462 which means "to feed," H4829 can signify both the physical place of feeding and the act itself. It is also used to describe the haunt or feeding place of wild animals.
In the biblical narrative, H4829 is used in several key contexts. It most often refers to a literal place of sustenance for livestock, as when the sons of Simeon went "to seek pasture for their flocks" 1 Chronicles 4:39 or when Joseph's family explained they came to Egypt because there was "no pasture" in Canaan Genesis 47:4. The quality of this provision is also highlighted, with descriptions of "fat pasture and good" 1 Chronicles 4:40. Beyond domestic animals, it also denotes the domain of wild beasts, such as the "feedingplace of the young lions" Nahum 2:11. Figuratively, a lack of pasture signifies distress and judgment, as when the princes of Zion are "like harts that find no pasture" Lamentations 1:6.
Several related words expand upon the concepts of shepherding and sustenance:
- H7462 râʻâh (to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it): This is the primitive root from which H4829 is derived. It encompasses the action of shepherding and feeding, and God promises to "feed" His people in a good pasture Ezekiel 34:14.
- H6629 tsôʼn (a collective name for a flock): This word for "flock" or "sheep" frequently appears in contexts describing the need for pasture, such as the search for pasture for their flocks Genesis 47:4.
- H5739 ʻêder (drove, flock, herd): This term for a herd or flock is used to describe animals in distress when they lack a pasture, as in Joel where the herds of cattle are perplexed because they have no pasture Joel 1:18.
- H4583 mâʻôwn (an abode... or animals (their lair)): This term for a dwelling or den is used in parallel with H4829 to describe the "dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions" Nahum 2:11, reinforcing the idea of a natural habitat.
- H3491 yâthûwr (range): This word appears alongside H4829 to describe the scope of a wild animal's territory, as in "The range of the mountains is his pasture" Job 39:8.
The theological weight of H4829 is tied to themes of divine care, judgment, and human responsibility.
- Divine Provision and Restoration: The concept of pasture is used to illustrate God's promise to care for and restore His people. In Ezekiel, God declares He will lead His flock to a "good pasture" and a "fat pasture" on the mountains of Israel Ezekiel 34:14, signifying a return to security and abundance.
- A Sign of Judgment: Conversely, the absence of pasture is depicted as a direct consequence of judgment and desolation. The groaning of beasts because "they have no pasture" Joel 1:18 and the depiction of Zion's weakened leaders as harts that "find no pasture" Lamentations 1:6 symbolize a land under distress.
- Accountability for Resources: The word is also used to highlight human failure and selfishness. The Lord rebukes those who, after enjoying the "good pasture," then "tread down" and "foul" the remainder, depriving others of sustenance Ezekiel 34:18.
In summary, H4829 is much more than a simple geographical term. It is a cornerstone concept for understanding sustenance, security, and divine relationship in the scriptures. It illustrates how a single word can carry layers of meaning, from a literal field for flocks Genesis 47:4 and a haunt for wild lions Nahum 2:11, to a powerful theological symbol of God's faithful provision and the dire consequences of His judgment Ezekiel 34:14.
TRV