### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêʻâh**, represented by `{{H7464}}`, is the feminine form for a **female associate** or **companion**. According to usage statistics, it is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** in **3 unique verses**. Its meaning is focused on the concept of a female fellow or companion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H7464}}` is used to describe female relationships in two distinct contexts. In Psalms, it refers to the **companions** of the virgins who are brought before the king in a royal procession [[Psalms 45:14]]. In the book of Judges, the word appears twice in the narrative of Jephthah's daughter. She asks to go to the mountains with her **fellows** [[Judges 11:37]] and later goes with her **companions** to bewail her virginity, highlighting a bond of shared experience and support during a time of grief [[Judges 11:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of female association:
* `{{H1330}}` **bᵉthûwlâh** (virgin): Defined as a virgin, maid, or bride, this word is directly linked to `{{H7464}}` in the context of the king's procession, which features "the virgins her **companions**" [[Psalms 45:14]]. It is also used figuratively to describe a city or state, such as the "virgin daughter of Babylon" [[Isaiah 47:1]].
* `{{H7474}}` **raʻyâh** (love): Also meaning a female associate or fellow, this term adds the dimension of "love." It is used repeatedly in the Song of Solomon to express endearment, as in "Rise up, my **love**, my fair one, and come away" [[Song of Solomon 2:10]]. This term appears alongside `{{H7464}}` in [[Judges 11:37]], suggesting a close bond.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7464}}` lies in its portrayal of female community and solidarity.
* **Companionship in Joy and Sorrow:** The word is applied to women in both a celebratory royal court [[Psalms 45:14]] and a context of deep personal mourning [[Judges 11:37-38]], illustrating the role of female fellowship across life's varied circumstances.
* **Association with Virginity:** In both of its narrative settings, `{{H7464}}` is used in connection with virginity. The companions in Psalms are associated with virgins, and the companions in Judges join Jephthah's daughter to bewail her virginity.
* **Platonic Fellowship:** Unlike the related term `{{H7474}}`, which is used for a romantic "love," `{{H7464}}` consistently points to a supportive, non-romantic relationship between female associates.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7464}}` provides a specific and focused term for a female **companion** or **fellow**. Though used sparingly, it captures the importance of female relationships, depicting a solidarity that is present in moments of both royal pageantry and private grief. It stands in contrast to related terms of romantic love, carving out a distinct space for understanding female community in the biblical text.
TRV