a primitive root; to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites); bathe, make drunk, (take the) fill, satiate, (abundantly) satisfy, soak, water (abundantly).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râvâh**, represented by `{{H7301}}`, is a primitive root meaning to slake thirst. It appears **15 times** in **14 unique verses**. Its meaning extends beyond simple thirst to encompass a range of appetites, with translations including to **satiate**, **(abundantly) satisfy**, **water (abundantly)**, **soak**, **bathe**, or even **make drunk**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7301}}` is used to describe both divine blessing and severe judgment. In a positive sense, it conveys God's abundant provision, as when He promises to **satiate** the weary soul [[Jeremiah 31:25]] and allow His people to be **abundantly satisfied** with the fatness of His house [[Psalms 36:8]]. The word also depicts the natural cycle of creation where rain **watereth** the earth to make it fruitful [[Isaiah 55:10]]. Conversely, `{{H7301}}` is used to illustrate the totality of God's wrath, where a sword is **bathed** in heaven [[Isaiah 34:5]] or **made drunk** with blood [[Jeremiah 46:10]], and land is **soaked** with blood [[Isaiah 34:7]]. The term can also describe intimate human fulfillment [[Proverbs 5:19]] or being filled with bitterness [[Lamentations 3:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the sources and effects associated with being filled or watered:
* `{{H1880}}` **deshen** (fatness): This word, meaning abundance or the fat, often describes the substance with which one is satisfied. God promises to **satiate** the soul of the priests with **fatness** [[Jeremiah 31:14]], linking satisfaction directly to divine provision.
* `{{H8248}}` **shâqâh** (to make drink): Defined as to irrigate or furnish a potion, this word often describes the action that leads to satisfaction. In God's house, He will not only satisfy His people but also **make them drink** from the river of His pleasures [[Psalms 36:8]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): In the context of judgment, this word for blood shows what the land or sword is saturated with. On the day of vengeance, the sword will be **made drunk** with their **blood** [[Jeremiah 46:10]], illustrating the severity of the consequence.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7301}}` is seen in its dual application to both blessing and curse.
* **Divine Abundance:** The word frequently points to God as the source of complete satisfaction. He waters the earth to produce food [[Isaiah 55:10]], He satiates the weary and sorrowful soul [[Jeremiah 31:25]], and He satisfies His people with the fatness of His own house [[Psalms 36:8]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** In a stark contrast, to be 'soaked' or 'made drunk' is a terrifying image of divine judgment. The Lord's sword is 'bathed' in heaven before it descends for judgment [[Isaiah 34:5]], and it is 'made drunk' with blood as a sacrifice to the Lord [[Jeremiah 46:10]].
* **Spiritual Reciprocity:** The word is used to establish a key principle of wisdom, stating that the one who **watereth** others "shall be watered also himself" [[Proverbs 11:25]], linking generosity to personal blessing.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7301}}` is a powerful and multifaceted word. It expresses the extremes of experience, from the life-giving act of watering the earth [[Psalms 65:10]] and the deep spiritual satisfaction God provides [[Jeremiah 31:14]] to the terrifying finality of a land soaked in blood as an act of judgment [[Isaiah 34:7]]. Whether describing blessing, judgment, or human relationships, **râvâh** demonstrates a state of being completely filled or saturated, for better or for worse.
TRV