### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râʻêb**, represented by `{{H7456}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to hunger**. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses**, typically translated as to "famish" or to "suffer hunger." It describes a state of want, often for food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7456}}` is used to describe both literal and figurative hunger. It denotes a physical crisis, as when the entire land of Egypt **was famished** during the famine [[Genesis 41:55]]. It is also used as a tool of divine discipline, where God **suffered** the Israelites **to hunger** in the wilderness to teach them dependence on His word [[Deuteronomy 8:3]]. The word also illustrates a key distinction between the righteous and the wicked; the LORD will not **suffer** the soul of the righteous **to famish** [[Proverbs 10:3]], while in a future judgment, God's servants will eat but the disobedient **shall be hungry** [[Isaiah 65:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of hunger and sustenance:
* `{{H7457}}` **râʻêb** (hungry): This word is derived from the same root and describes the state of one who hungers. It is used in commandments to provide bread to the **hungry** [[Isaiah 58:7]].
* `{{H6770}}` **tsâmêʼ** (to thirst): This word is a direct parallel to hunger and is often paired with it. God promises His people a future where they will not **hunger** nor **thirst** [[Isaiah 49:10]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (food, especially bread): This word for food is often the object of the hunger. The people in Egypt cried for **bread** when they were famished [[Genesis 41:55]], and the Israelites in the wilderness were taught that man does not live by **bread** alone [[Deuteronomy 8:3]].
* `{{H6031}}` **ʻânâh** (to depress literally or figuratively, humble): This root is directly linked to hunger as a means of divine action, as God **humbled** Israel when He "suffered thee to hunger" [[Deuteronomy 8:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7456}}` is significant, highlighting God's relationship with humanity.
* **Divine Discipline:** Hunger is explicitly used by God as a teaching tool. By allowing the Israelites **to hunger**, He demonstrated that their ultimate sustenance comes from His word, not just physical bread [[Deuteronomy 8:3]].
* **Consequence of Action:** The state of hunger is often linked to human behavior. An "idle soul shall **suffer hunger**" [[Proverbs 19:15]], and those experiencing judgment become so **hungry** that they curse their leaders and God [[Isaiah 8:21]].
* **God's Providence:** Scripture repeatedly contrasts the fate of the righteous with the wicked regarding hunger. God promises not to **suffer** the righteous **to famish** [[Proverbs 10:3]] and that those who seek Him will not suffer hunger [[Psalms 34:10]].
* **Future Restoration:** The absence of hunger is a key feature of God's promised restoration. He pledges that His people "shall not **hunger** nor thirst" under His merciful guidance [[Isaiah 49:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7456}}` extends beyond a simple physical sensation. It serves as a powerful biblical motif representing divine judgment, discipline, and the consequences of human idleness. Conversely, its absence signifies God's blessing, provision for the righteous, and the complete satisfaction found in His future restoration. The word illustrates the dynamic where God can use a physical need to reveal a deeper spiritual truth.
TRV