### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăruchâh**, represented by `{{H737}}`, refers to a ration of food or a fixed portion. Derived from a root meaning "to appoint," it signifies an allowance, diet, dinner, or victuals. It appears **6 times** across **4 unique verses**, illustrating its specific application to designated provisions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H737}}` is used to describe specific, allotted provisions. For the captive King Jehoiachin, it was a "continual **allowance**" or "**diet**" granted by the king of Babylon, a set portion for each day of his life ([[2 Kings 25:30]], [[Jeremiah 52:34]]). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah was given "**victuals**" by the captain of the guard [[Jeremiah 40:5]]. The term is also used in a moral or social context in Proverbs, which states that a "**dinner** of herbs where love is" is better than a fine meal accompanied by hatred [[Proverbs 15:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of this provision:
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give, used with greatest latitude of application): This verb is consistently used to describe the action of providing the `ʼăruchâh`. The allowance was **given** to King Jehoiachin [[2 Kings 25:30]] and Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 40:5]].
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (a day): This word establishes the regularity of the provision. The `ʼăruchâh` was a "daily rate for every **day**" [[2 Kings 25:30]] and a portion given "every **day**" [[Jeremiah 52:34]], emphasizing its role as daily sustenance.
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (a word; by implication, a matter... or thing... rate... portion): While often translated as "word," in this context it specifies the measure of the allowance as a set "**rate**" or "**portion**" ([[2 Kings 25:30]], [[Jeremiah 52:34]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological and moral weight of `{{H737}}` centers on the concept of provision and its source.
* **Provision from Authority:** The word is primarily used for a ration provided by an authority figure, like a king or a captain of the guard. This highlights a theme of dependence on a provider for sustenance ([[2 Kings 25:30]], [[Jeremiah 40:5]]).
* **Daily Sustenance:** The provision is explicitly linked to the continuation of life, described as a continual allowance for "all the days of his life" [[Jeremiah 52:34]].
* **Value Beyond the Physical:** Proverbs uses `{{H737}}` to teach that the quality of a provision is determined by its emotional and spiritual context. A simple "**dinner**" with love is superior to a feast with hatred, underscoring that fellowship is more valuable than material abundance [[Proverbs 15:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H737}}` moves beyond a simple definition of a meal. It specifically denotes an allotted, regular provision, whether it is a king's allowance for a captive or a humble dinner among loved ones. The word illustrates a biblical principle where the source and spirit of a provision can be as significant as the provision itself, highlighting themes of dependence, daily sustenance, and the value of love over material wealth.
TRV