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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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