### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râʻêb**, represented by `{{H7457}}`, is the primary adjective for **hungry**. It appears **22 times** across **22 unique verses**, describing a state of need that can be more or less intense. Its meaning ranges from a simple lack of food to being "hunger bitten," a state of severe deprivation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7457}}` is frequently used to describe a literal, physical need for food. The people with David `{{H1732}}` in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` are described as **hungry** `{{H7457}}`, weary `{{H5889}}`, and thirsty `{{H6771}}` [[2 Samuel 17:29]]. Similarly, a smith `{{H2796}}` at his work becomes **hungry** `{{H7457}}` and his strength `{{H3581}}` fails [[Isaiah 44:12]]. Beyond a state of being, scripture often uses the term to establish a moral obligation to care for those in need. A righteous person is one who has "given `{{H5414}}` his bread `{{H3899}}` to the **hungry** `{{H7457}}`" [[Ezekiel 18:7]], a command that even extends to one's enemy `{{H8130}}` [[Proverbs 25:21]]. The word also functions metaphorically, as when a **hungry** `{{H7457}}` man dreams `{{H2492}}` of eating but awakes with an empty `{{H7386}}` soul `{{H5315}}`, illustrating the unfulfilled state of those who fight `{{H6633}}` against Zion `{{H6726}}` [[Isaiah 29:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of hunger and provision:
* `{{H7456}}` **râʻêb**: to hunger; (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). This is the root verb from which `{{H7457}}` is derived, indicating the action of becoming hungry. In a state of hardship, people "shall be **hungry** `{{H7456}}`" [[Isaiah 8:21]].
* `{{H6771}}` **tsâmêʼ**: thirsty (literally or figuratively); (that) thirst(-eth, -y). This word is often paired with `{{H7457}}` to describe a complete state of physical need, such as being **hungry** and **thirsty** [[Psalms 107:5]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem**: food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it). This is the specified provision for the **hungry** `{{H7457}}` in commands to show righteousness and care ([[Ezekiel 18:7]], [[Isaiah 58:7]]).
* `{{H7649}}` **sâbêaʻ**: satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense); full (of), satisfied (with). This word serves as a direct antonym, contrasting those who are **full** `{{H7649}}` with those who are **hungry** `{{H7457}}` ([[1 Samuel 2:5]], [[Proverbs 27:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7457}}` is significant, highlighting moral duties and divine attributes.
* **A Measure of Righteousness:** How one treats the **hungry** `{{H7457}}` is a key indicator of righteousness. Giving bread `{{H3899}}` is a characteristic of a just man [[Ezekiel 18:16]], while withholding `{{H4513}}` it is a mark of wickedness [[Job 22:7]].
* **Divine Provision:** The Lord `{{H3068}}` is depicted as the ultimate provider for the **hungry** `{{H7457}}`. He "giveth `{{H5414}}` food `{{H3899}}` to the **hungry** `{{H7457}}`" [[Psalms 146:7]] and "filleth `{{H4390}}` the **hungry** `{{H7457}}` soul `{{H5315}}` with goodness `{{H2896}}`" [[Psalms 107:9]].
* **Condition of the Soul:** The state of being **hungry** `{{H7457}}` extends beyond the physical. The soul `{{H5315}}` itself can be **hungry** [[Psalms 107:9]] or empty `{{H7386}}` [[Isaiah 29:8]]. The wicked work to "make empty `{{H7324}}` the soul `{{H5315}}` of the **hungry** `{{H7457}}`" [[Isaiah 32:6]], highlighting a spiritual dimension to this need.
### Summary
In summary, **râʻêb** `{{H7457}}` is not merely a description of physical hunger. It is a powerful word that conveys a state of deep need, both for the body and the soul `{{H5315}}`. It serves as a moral benchmark in scripture, distinguishing the righteous who provide for the **hungry** [[Isaiah 58:7]] from the wicked who do not. Ultimately, it illustrates the human condition of need and points to God as the only true source of satisfaction and goodness `{{H2896}}` [[Psalms 107:9]].
TRV