feminine of רֵעַ; a female associate; companion, fellow.
Transliteration:rêʻâh
Pronunciation:ray'-aw
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7464}}` (רֵעָה, *rêʻâh*) is a feminine noun derived directly from `{{H7453}}` (רֵעַ, *rêaʻ*), which broadly signifies "friend, companion, neighbor, associate." As its feminine counterpart, `{{H7464}}` specifically denotes a "female associate," "female companion," or "fellow woman." The core meaning emphasizes a relationship of association, shared activity, or mutual connection between women, extending beyond mere acquaintance to imply a degree of intimacy, solidarity, or shared purpose. It is not a generic term for "woman" (`{{H802}}` - אִשָּׁה, *ʼishshah*), but rather highlights the relational aspect of a female individual within a specific context of companionship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7464}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences provide significant insight into its usage:
* **[[Judges 11:37]]**: In the tragic narrative of Jephthah's daughter, she requests a period of two months to "go down upon the mountains and bewail my virginity, I and my companions (וְרֵעוֹתַי)." Here, the plural form רֵעוֹת (*rêʻôt*) clearly refers to a group of young women who share in the daughter's sorrow and provide mutual support during a time of profound grief and impending sacrifice. This context underscores `{{H7464}}` as signifying female solidarity and shared experience in adversity.
* **[[Ezekiel 16:28]]**: This verse describes Jerusalem's spiritual harlotry, stating, "You played the harlot with the Assyrians also, because you were not satisfied; yes, you played the harlot with them, and still you were not satisfied." While the English translation often renders it as "Assyrians," the Hebrew text uses רֵעַ (reaʻ) for "companions" in the sense of "lovers" or "associates" in wickedness. However, the specific form רֵעָה (reʻah) is used in some textual traditions and commentaries regarding the "companions" in idolatry, referring to other nations or idols personified as female associates in spiritual infidelity. This usage, if `{{H7464}}` is indeed the intended form, highlights that companionship can extend to negative, corrupting associations, where shared purpose leads to sin and defilement.
These instances demonstrate that while `{{H7464}}` consistently refers to female companions, the nature of that companionship can range from supportive and empathetic to complicit and corrupting, depending on the moral context of the association.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H7464}}` is its masculine root, `{{H7453}}` (רֵעַ, *rêaʻ*), which denotes a "friend, neighbor, or companion" and is widely used across the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of interpersonal relationships, both positive and negative.
Another closely related term is `{{H7474}}` (רַעְיָה, *raʻyah*), which is often translated as "darling" or "love," particularly prominent in the Song of Solomon (e.g., [[Song of Solomon 1:9]], [[Song of Solomon 5:2]]). While sharing the same root and a feminine connotation, `{{H7474}}` carries a distinct nuance of endearment and intimate affection, differentiating it from the more general "female associate" of `{{H7464}}`.
Concepts related to `{{H7464}}` include:
* **Friendship and Companionship**: The fundamental idea of individuals sharing a bond.
* **Solidarity**: The mutual support and unity found among a group of women.
* **Association**: The act of being connected with others, whether for good or ill.
* **Sisterhood**: A bond specifically among women, reflecting shared experiences and identity.
It is crucial to distinguish `{{H7464}}` from homophonous or similar-sounding words with entirely different roots and meanings, such as `{{H7462}}` (רָעָה, *raʻah*), meaning "evil" or "wickedness," or `{{H7463}}` (רָעָה, *raʻah*), meaning "to pasture" or "to tend."
### Theological Significance
Though `{{H7464}}` is not a frequently occurring word, its presence underscores several important theological insights concerning human relationships:
1. **Divine Design for Community**: The very existence of a word for "female companion" within the biblical lexicon subtly affirms the created order where humans, male and female, are designed for relationship and community, not isolation. It points to the inherent value of interpersonal bonds.
2. **The Significance of Female Relationships**: The specific use of `{{H7464}}` highlights the importance and distinct nature of relationships *among* women in biblical society. The scene with Jephthah's daughter illustrates the vital role of female companionship in providing emotional support and shared lament, reflecting a deep-seated human need for empathetic connection in times of distress.
3. **The Moral Dimension of Association**: The potential use of `{{H7464}}` in contexts like Ezekiel 16:28 serves as a stark reminder that companionship is not inherently good. The nature and purpose of one's associations carry significant moral weight. "Companions" can lead one toward righteousness or, conversely, toward spiritual infidelity and corruption. This emphasizes the biblical call to choose one's companions wisely, recognizing their potential influence on one's spiritual journey.
4. **Human Vulnerability and Support**: The context in Judges reveals a compassionate aspect of female companionship, where women gather to share and bear witness to a profound personal tragedy. This speaks to the human need for communal support systems in the face of life's most challenging circumstances.
### Summary
`{{H7464}}` (רֵעָה, *rêʻâh*) is a Hebrew noun specifically denoting a "female associate" or "female companion," derived from the broader term for "friend" or "neighbor" (`{{H7453}}`). While rare in its occurrences, its usage in the Bible, particularly in [[Judges 11:37]] and potentially [[Ezekiel 16:28]], illuminates the diverse nature of female relationships. It signifies solidarity and mutual support among women, as seen in the shared lament of Jephthah's daughter and her companions. Simultaneously, its potential application in contexts of spiritual harlotry underscores the critical moral dimension of companionship, demonstrating that associations can lead to either comfort and strength or to corruption and sin. Thus, `{{H7464}}` contributes to a nuanced understanding of human relationships within the biblical narrative, emphasizing both the intrinsic value of female bonds and the ethical responsibility inherent in all forms of association.
TRV