from רָעֵב; hungry (more or less intensely); hunger bitten, hungry.
Transliteration:râʻêb
Pronunciation:raw-abe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective `{{H7457}}` (râʻêb) is derived directly from the verb `{{H7456}}` (râʻêb), meaning "to be hungry." As an adjective, `{{H7457}}` describes the state of being "hungry" or "starving." Its semantic range encompasses the full spectrum of this physical condition, from a general sensation of needing food to a severe, life-threatening state of "hunger-bitten" destitution. It fundamentally denotes a lack of sustenance and the accompanying physiological craving or suffering. While primarily literal, the profound human experience of hunger often serves as a powerful metaphor in biblical thought for other forms of deep longing or need.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7457}}` appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, illuminating both the physical reality of human need and the theological implications thereof. In the wilderness narratives, it highlights the Israelites' dependence on divine provision: God allowed them to be `{{H7457}}` so that they might learn that "man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" [[Deuteronomy 8:3]]. Here, hunger serves as a pedagogical tool, redirecting focus from physical sustenance to spiritual reliance.
In other instances, `{{H7457}}` describes the plight of the poor and needy, emphasizing the community's responsibility towards them. [[Proverbs 25:21]] exhorts, "If your enemy is `{{H7457}}`, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink," underscoring a call to compassion even towards adversaries. The Psalms often contrast the `{{H7457}}` with those who are satisfied by God's provision: "The young lions suffer want and are `{{H7457}}`; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing" [[Psalm 34:10]]. This verse draws a stark distinction between the natural world's struggle for survival and the divine care bestowed upon those devoted to God. Prophetic literature also uses `{{H7457}}` to depict future restoration and blessings, promising a time when God's flock "shall not `{{H7457}}` or thirst" [[Isaiah 49:10]], signifying complete well-being and divine protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related terms to `{{H7457}}` are its verbal root `{{H7456}}` (râʻêb, "to be hungry") and the related noun `{{H7458}}` (ra'av, "famine, hunger"). These three words form a core semantic field describing the state and experience of hunger.
Antithetical concepts include words signifying fullness, satisfaction, and abundance, such as `{{H7646}}` (sâbêa', "satisfied, full") and `{{H7649}}` (sôva', "abundance, satisfaction"). The presence of `{{H7457}}` often implies the absence of `{{H3899}}` (lechem, "bread" or "food") or `{{H4325}}` (mayim, "water"), highlighting the fundamental human need for these provisions. Concepts of poverty, destitution, and need are closely associated with the experience of being `{{H7457}}`.
### Theological Significance
The concept of being `{{H7457}}` carries profound theological weight in the Old Testament.
1. **Divine Provision and Faithfulness:** Hunger frequently serves as a backdrop against which God's miraculous provision is displayed. From manna in the wilderness [[Nehemiah 9:15]] to Elijah being fed by ravens, God demonstrates His ability and commitment to sustain His people even in dire circumstances. This underscores His sovereignty and faithfulness as the ultimate provider.
2. **Testing and Dependence:** God sometimes allows His people to experience being `{{H7457}}` as a means of testing their faith and teaching them absolute dependence on Him. It reveals the fragility of human self-sufficiency and redirects trust towards divine sustenance, both physical and spiritual.
3. **Ethical Imperative of Compassion:** The recurring biblical emphasis on caring for the `{{H7457}}` reflects God's own compassionate character. Providing food for those who are hungry is presented as a fundamental act of righteousness, justice, and obedience to God's covenant. It is a tangible expression of love for neighbor.
4. **Metaphor for Spiritual Longing:** While `{{H7457}}` primarily denotes physical hunger, the deep human need it expresses often serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual longing. Just as the body craves food, the soul longs for God's word, presence, and righteousness. This spiritual hunger is seen as a prerequisite for true satisfaction that only God can provide.
### Summary
The Hebrew adjective `{{H7457}}` (râʻêb) precisely describes the state of being hungry, ranging from mild craving to severe starvation. Its occurrences in the Old Testament illuminate a multifaceted theological landscape. It serves as a catalyst for divine intervention, showcasing God's faithful provision and ability to sustain His people. Furthermore, it functions as a pedagogical tool, teaching human dependence on God and revealing the limits of self-reliance. Crucially, the experience of being `{{H7457}}` underscores a profound ethical imperative for compassion and justice towards the needy, reflecting God's own character. Ultimately, the literal reality of hunger often points to a deeper, spiritual longing that finds its ultimate satisfaction only in God.
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