### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râʻâb**, represented by `{{H7458}}`, is a primary term for **hunger** or **famine**. It appears 101 times across 88 unique verses in the Bible. Beyond a personal feeling of hunger, it frequently describes widespread scarcity, dearth, and divine judgment affecting entire lands and peoples.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7458}}` is used in several key contexts. It serves as a catalyst for major historical events, such as when a **grievous** `{{H3515}}` **famine** prompted Abram to go down into Egypt [[Genesis 12:10]] and later caused Jacob's family to do the same [[Genesis 47:4]]. Prophetically, it is frequently announced as a form of divine judgment, often alongside the sword and pestilence [[Jeremiah 14:12]]. The word is also used metaphorically to describe a spiritual crisis, as in the prophecy of a coming **famine** "not of bread... but of hearing the words of the LORD" [[Amos 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of famine, its causes, and its consequences:
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This is the most common companion to famine in prophetic warnings of judgment. The two are frequently listed together to describe the devastation that will come upon a disobedient people [[Jeremiah 14:16]].
* `{{H1698}}` **deber** (pestilence): This term forms a triad of judgment with sword and famine, representing a comprehensive punishment from God for sin [[Ezekiel 5:12]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread): As the most basic form of sustenance, the lack of **bread** is the direct result of a famine. The Lord can "break the staff of the bread" and send **famine** upon a land [[Ezekiel 14:13]].
* `{{H6772}}` **tsâmâʼ** (thirst): Often paired with hunger, this word describes the lack of water that accompanies a famine or dearth, both literally and figuratively ([[Deuteronomy 28:48]], [[Amos 8:11]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7458}}` is significant, often illustrating the direct consequences of a nation's relationship with God.
* **Divine Judgment:** Famine is consistently portrayed as an instrument of God's judgment against sin and disobedience. The Lord explicitly calls for a **famine** [[2 Kings 8:1]] and sends it, along with other calamities, to punish wickedness and provoke repentance [[Jeremiah 29:17-18]].
* **God's Sovereignty and Provision:** Just as God sends famine, He is also the one who delivers from it. He can keep people alive in **famine** [[Psalms 33:19]] and promises to his restored people that He will call for the **corn** `{{H1715}}` and "lay no **famine** upon you" [[Ezekiel 36:29]].
* **Spiritual Hunger:** The concept is elevated from a physical lack to a spiritual one. Isaiah connects being **famished** `{{H7458}}` with a lack of knowledge [[Isaiah 5:13]], and Amos powerfully describes a ultimate **famine** of not hearing God's word [[Amos 8:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7458}}` represents more than a mere physical need. It is a powerful biblical theme that functions as a literal, devastating event, an instrument of divine judgment, and a stark metaphor for spiritual emptiness. From the famines that shaped the lives of the patriarchs to the prophetic warnings of a land starved of God's word, **râʻâb** illustrates the profound connection between obedience, provision, judgment, and the ultimate human hunger for a relationship with God.
TRV