### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh), Strong's `{{H7310}}`, is derived from the verbal root רָוָה (râvâh), Strong's `{{H7301}}`, which signifies "to be saturated," "to drink one's fill," "to be abundantly watered," or "to be fully satisfied." As a noun, רְוָיָה thus encapsulates the state of complete saturation, profound satisfaction, and overflowing abundance. Its semantic range extends from a literal sense of being thoroughly watered or quenched to a metaphorical understanding of being replete, wealthy, or having more than enough. It conveys a sense of fullness that extends beyond mere sufficiency, implying a lavish or superabundant provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance is profoundly significant:
* **[[Psalm 23:5]]**: "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Here, "runneth over" translates רְוָיָה. In the context of the Shepherd Psalm, this phrase vividly illustrates the Lord's lavish provision and protection for His people. The overflowing cup is a powerful metaphor for an abundance of blessings, hospitality, and divine favor that exceeds all expectation. It speaks to a state of profound well-being and security, even in the presence of adversaries, signifying a life filled to the brim and beyond by God's grace.
* **[[Jeremiah 31:25]]**: "For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul." In this prophetic promise of restoration for Israel and Judah, "replenished" (or "satiated" in some translations) is the translation of רְוָיָה. The context is God's compassionate pledge to bring comfort, renewal, and deep satisfaction to His people who have experienced weariness and sorrow due to exile and judgment. This usage highlights God's ability to provide spiritual and emotional refreshment, quenching the deepest thirsts of the soul and restoring vitality to those who are exhausted or grieved.
In both instances, רְוָיָה points to a divine source of an overflowing supply, whether of material blessings or spiritual solace, always leading to a state of complete satisfaction and abundance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh) is its root verb, רָוָה (râvâh) `{{H7301}}`, which consistently denotes saturation and fulfillment. Other related concepts include:
* **שָׂבַע (sâvaʿ)** `{{H7646}}`: To be full, satisfied, or to have enough, often in relation to food. While similar in conveying satisfaction, רְוָיָה carries a distinct nuance of being "watered" or "overflowing," often with a sense of refreshment.
* **יֶתֶר (yether)** `{{H3499}}`: Meaning "abundance," "remainder," or "excess." This term focuses more on the quantity of what is left over or extra, whereas רְוָיָה emphasizes the *state* of being completely filled and overflowing.
* **שָׁלוֹם (shalom)** `{{H7965}}`: Peace, completeness, welfare. While not a direct synonym, the state of רְוָיָה often contributes to or is a manifestation of shalom, indicating a holistic well-being and lack of want.
* **מָלֵא (mālēʾ)** `{{H4390}}`: To be full, filled. This term is broader, referring to any kind of fullness, while רְוָיָה specifically implies a saturation or an overflowing abundance, often related to liquids or refreshment.
The concept of "spiritual thirst" and its quenching is also closely related, as seen in prophetic literature and the New Testament (e.g., [[Isaiah 55:1]], [[John 4:14]], [[John 7:38]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh) is profound, underscoring several key attributes of God and His relationship with humanity:
* **Divine Generosity and Abundance**: The term powerfully portrays God as the benevolent Provider who gives not merely what is sufficient, but an overflowing measure. The "cup runneth over" in [[Psalm 23:5]] is a testament to His lavish and boundless provision, extending beyond basic needs to a life of rich blessing.
* **Spiritual and Emotional Restoration**: In [[Jeremiah 31:25]], רְוָיָה speaks to God's unique ability to refresh and satisfy the deepest needs of the human soul. It signifies His capacity to bring comfort, healing, and renewed vitality to the weary, sorrowful, and spiritually parched. This highlights God as the ultimate source of inner peace and contentment.
* **Covenant Faithfulness**: Both occurrences of רְוָיָה are situated within contexts that affirm God's enduring covenant faithfulness. In Psalm 23, it is the Shepherd's unwavering care for His flock. In Jeremiah 31, it is God's promise to restore and renew His covenant people, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to their well-being. The overflowing satisfaction is a tangible sign of His faithfulness.
* **Anticipation of Messianic Fulfillment**: The imagery of abundant provision and deep satisfaction finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He offers "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst permanently ([[John 4:14]]), and promises that those who come to Him will "never hunger" and "never thirst" ([[John 6:35]]), embodying the ultimate רְוָיָה for the soul.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh), Strong's `{{H7310}}`, derived from the root meaning "to be saturated," denotes a state of profound satisfaction, overflowing abundance, and complete replenishment. Though appearing only twice in the Old Testament, its usage in [[Psalm 23:5]] and [[Jeremiah 31:25]] is highly significant. In Psalm 23, it illustrates the Lord's lavish provision and protection, where the "cup runneth over" with blessings. In Jeremiah 31, it speaks to God's ability to deeply "replenish" and satisfy the weary and sorrowful soul. Theologically, רְוָיָה powerfully conveys God's boundless generosity, His capacity for spiritual and emotional restoration, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It signifies a divine provision that moves beyond mere sufficiency to a superabundance, ensuring complete and overflowing satisfaction for His people.
TRV