### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râchêl**, represented by `{{H7353}}`, refers to a **ewe** or female sheep. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word's root suggests the act of journeying, fitting for an animal that was a predominant element of a flock and a good traveller.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H7353}}` is primarily associated with pastoral life and wealth. In Genesis, it is used to quantify Jacob's assets and diligence as a shepherd, where he presents "two hundred **ewes**" as part of a gift [[Genesis 32:14]] and notes that under his care, the **ewes** did not miscarry [[Genesis 31:38]]. In the Song of Solomon, the image of a flock of freshly washed **sheep** is used poetically to describe pristine beauty and fruitfulness [[Song of Solomon 6:6]]. Most significantly, it is used in Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant, who is compared to a **sheep** that is silent before her shearers, illustrating meek submission [[Isaiah 53:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the agricultural and symbolic context of the ewe:
* `{{H7716}}` **seh**: This is a general term for a member of a flock, such as a **sheep** or goat. It is used alongside `{{H7353}}` in Isaiah's prophecy, which describes a **lamb** `{{H7716}}` brought to the slaughter and a **sheep** `{{H7353}}` that is silent [[Isaiah 53:7]].
* `{{H5795}}` **ʻêz**: This word specifically means **she goat**. It appears with `{{H7353}}` in lists of livestock to distinguish between the female sheep and goats within a flock ([[Genesis 31:38]], [[Genesis 32:14]]).
* `{{H6629}}` **tsôʼn**: This is a collective term for a **flock** of sheep or goats. It establishes the group context for the individual animals, such as the **ewes** mentioned as part of Jacob's flock [[Genesis 31:38]].
* `{{H1494}}` **gazâz**: Meaning to shear a flock, this word is directly tied to the ewe's most famous symbolic role. A **sheep** `{{H7353}}` is portrayed as silent and submissive before her **shearers** `{{H1494}}` [[Isaiah 53:7]].
* `{{H2874}}` **ṭebach**: This word means **slaughter**. It appears in the same prophetic passage, heightening the imagery of silent submission in the face of impending death [[Isaiah 53:7]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H7353}}` develops from the literal to the metaphorical:
* **Symbol of Prosperity:** In Genesis, healthy and numerous **ewes** are a clear indicator of wealth and divine blessing. Jacob highlights that his **ewes** did not cast their young, signifying productive and successful husbandry [[Genesis 31:38]].
* **Image of Purity and Fruitfulness:** The simile in Song of Solomon uses a flock of clean **sheep** where every one bears twins and none are barren to paint a picture of perfection, uniformity, and vibrant life [[Song of Solomon 6:6]].
* **Emblem of Silent Submission:** The most profound theological use is in [[Isaiah 53:7]], where the ewe's quiet nature before its shearers symbolizes the suffering servant. This figure endures oppression `{{H5065}}` and affliction `{{H6031}}` without protest, establishing a powerful picture of meekness.
### Summary
In summary, **râchêl** `{{H7353}}` moves from being a simple term for a female sheep to a word carrying significant symbolic weight. It is foundational to understanding pastoral wealth and blessing in the patriarchal narratives, serves as an image of perfection in poetic literature, and culminates as a key metaphor for innocent, silent submission in prophecy. Though appearing only a few times, it illustrates how scripture invests the ordinary elements of life with deep spiritual meaning.
TRV