from רָעָה in the sense of feeding; pasturage; concretely, a flock; flock, pasture.
Transliteration:mirʻîyth
Pronunciation:meer-eeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H4830}}` (מִרְעִית, *mirʻîyth*) is a feminine noun derived from the verb `{{H7462}}` (רָעָה, *raʻah*), which signifies "to feed, graze, tend, shepherd." This etymological root is crucial for understanding `{{H4830}}`'s semantic range.
Primarily, `{{H4830}}` carries two closely related meanings:
1. **Pasturage / Pasture ground:** This refers to the literal place where sheep or other livestock graze and are fed. It denotes the area or land that provides sustenance.
2. **Flock / Herd:** By metonymic extension, `{{H4830}}` can also refer to the group of animals themselves that are being fed or pastured. In a significant number of occurrences, particularly in a theological context, it refers to God's people as His "flock" or "sheep of His pasture."
The dual nature of `{{H4830}}`—denoting both the place of sustenance and the recipients of that sustenance—highlights the intimate connection between the shepherd, the pasturage, and the flock.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While not exceedingly frequent, the occurrences of `{{H4830}}` in the Hebrew Bible are rich in meaning, particularly in prophetic and psalmic literature.
* In [[Jeremiah 10:21]], the word appears in a context of failed leadership: "For the shepherds are brutish, and have not sought the Lord: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flock (מִרְעִיתָם) shall be scattered." Here, `{{H4830}}` clearly refers to the "flock" of the human shepherds, emphasizing the negative consequences of their neglect.
* Similarly, [[Jeremiah 23:1]] pronounces a woe: "Woe to the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture (צֹאן מַרְעִיתִי)!" This verse powerfully uses `{{H4830}}` in a construct chain, "sheep of my pasture," to refer to God's own people, highlighting their vulnerability under poor leadership.
* The imagery is further developed in [[Ezekiel 34:31]], where God declares, "And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture (צֹאן מַרְעִיתִי), are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." This verse explicitly identifies humanity (specifically, Israel) as God's `{{H4830}}`, emphasizing divine ownership and care.
* In [[Micah 2:12]], `{{H4830}}` appears in a promise of restoration: "I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their pasture (בְּתוֹךְ הַמִּרְעִית)." Here, it refers to the physical "pasture" or "fold" where the gathered remnant will be safe.
* In the Psalms, `{{H4830}}` consistently refers to God's people as His flock:
* [[Psalm 74:1]]: "O God, why hast thou cast us off forever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture (צֹאן מַרְעִיתֶךָ)?"
* [[Psalm 79:13]]: "So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture (צֹאן מַרְעִיתֶךָ) will give thee thanks forever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations."
* [[Psalm 95:7]]: "For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture (עַם מַרְעִיתוֹ), and the sheep of his hand." This verse is particularly potent, linking "people of his pasture" with "sheep of his hand," underscoring divine guidance and protection.
These occurrences demonstrate `{{H4830}}`'s flexible usage, denoting both the physical place of feeding and, more significantly, the metaphorical "flock" that is the object of a shepherd's care, often God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4830}}` is its root verb `{{H7462}}` (רָעָה, *raʻah*), which encompasses the full range of shepherding activities: feeding, leading, protecting, and tending. This root is foundational to the entire semantic field.
Other derivatives and related terms include:
* `{{H4829}}` (מִרְעֶה, *mirʻeh*): This noun is also derived from `{{H7462}}` and means "pasturage" or "pasture." While very similar in meaning and often used interchangeably for the physical grazing ground, `{{H4830}}` (mirʻîyth) tends to lean more towards the abstract concept of "pasture" or, more frequently, the "flock" associated with it, especially in theological contexts. `{{H4829}}` more commonly denotes the specific physical "place" of pasturage.
* `{{H6629}}` (צֹאן, *tsoʼn*): The general Hebrew word for "flock" or "sheep." `{{H4830}}` often appears in conjunction with `{{H6629}}`, as in "the flock of my pasture," to specify the nature of the flock as being under a shepherd's care.
* The concept of the "shepherd" (רֹעֶה, *roʻeh*, from `{{H7462}}` as a participle/noun) is inextricably linked, as `{{H4830}}` defines what a shepherd tends.
The conceptual framework surrounding `{{H4830}}` thus includes divine leadership, sustenance, protection, and the intimate relationship between a shepherd and his flock.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4830}}` is profound, largely due to its consistent application to the relationship between God and His people.
1. **God as the Divine Shepherd:** The most prominent theological implication is the portrayal of Yahweh as the ultimate Shepherd. When Israel is referred to as the "flock of His pasture" (צֹאן מַרְעִיתוֹ), it evokes the image of God actively leading, feeding, protecting, and caring for His chosen people, much like a shepherd cares for his sheep. This imagery is central to passages like [[Psalm 23:1]] (though not using `{{H4830}}` specifically, it embodies the concept) and is explicitly stated in [[Psalm 95:7]].
2. **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The "pasture" (מִרְעִית) symbolizes God's abundant provision. It is a place of nourishment, rest, and safety. This highlights God's faithfulness in meeting the physical and spiritual needs of His people, guiding them to life-giving resources.
3. **God's Ownership and Covenantal Relationship:** The possessive phrases "my pasture" or "His pasture" underscore God's proprietary claim over His people. They are not merely a collection of individuals but "the flock of His pasture," belonging exclusively to Him. This reinforces the covenantal bond, where God commits to care for His people, and they, in turn, are called to trust and obey Him.
4. **Critique of Human Leadership:** The negative uses of `{{H4830}}` in Jeremiah demonstrate a significant theological critique. Human leaders (shepherds) who scatter or destroy God's `{{H4830}}` are condemned. This emphasizes the immense responsibility entrusted to those who lead God's people and highlights the contrast between their failures and God's perfect shepherding.
5. **Restoration and Hope:** In prophetic contexts like Micah, the gathering of the remnant into "their pasture" signifies God's promise of restoration, bringing His scattered flock back to a place of security and flourishing under His direct care.
### Summary
`{{H4830}}` (מִרְעִית, *mirʻîyth*) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to shepherd" (`{{H7462}}`), carrying the dual meaning of "pasturage" (the place of feeding) and, more significantly, "flock" (the group being fed). Its biblical occurrences, particularly in psalmic and prophetic literature, consistently depict God's people as the "flock of His pasture" (צֹאן מַרְעִיתוֹ). This imagery profoundly underscores God's role as the divine Shepherd who provides sustenance, ensures protection, and exercises loving ownership over His covenant people. Conversely, its use in condemning human leaders highlights the grave responsibility of those entrusted with God's `{{H4830}}`. Ultimately, `{{H4830}}` serves as a powerful metaphor for the intimate, caring, and redemptive relationship between the Creator and His cherished creation.
TRV