### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רֹעָה (rôʻâh), Strong's `{{H7465}}`, is derived from the root `{{H7451}}` (רָעַע, raʻaʻ), which carries a dual semantic range: "to be evil, bad, displeasing" and "to break, shatter, crush." Consequently, `{{H7465}}` embodies both aspects. Its primary literal meaning is "breakage" or "shattering." This physical sense extends metaphorically to denote "brokenness," "ruin," "destruction," or "grievous harm." The base definition "for רֹעַ" (rôaʻ, `{{H7455}}`) further links it to concepts of "evil," "wickedness," and "misery," suggesting that the state of being broken is inherently associated with calamity or adverse outcomes. The term often implies a state of being "utterly" broken or destroyed, emphasizing totality and finality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H7465}}` appears in two significant prophetic contexts, each highlighting its severe connotation:
1. **[[Jeremiah 44:27]]**: "Behold, I am watching over them for harm and not for good; and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will be consumed by the sword and by famine until they are utterly (רֹעָה) destroyed."
* Here, `{{H7465}}` is used adverbially in the phrase "לְרָעָה" (le-ra'ah), translated as "utterly destroyed" or "utterly consumed." The context is a dire prophecy against the remnant of Judah who had fled to Egypt, persisting in idolatry despite divine warnings. God declares His intention to "watch over them for harm," and the outcome is their complete annihilation by sword and famine. The word underscores the absolute and devastating nature of this judgment, signifying a state of being broken beyond recovery.
2. **[[Nahum 3:19]]**: "There is no assuaging your hurt; your wound is grievous (רֹעָה). All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For who has not suffered your constant malice?"
* In this passage, `{{H7465}}` describes the wound of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, as "grievous" or "incurable." The prophet Nahum proclaims the impending, irreversible destruction of this oppressive empire. The "wound" (שֶׁבֶר, shever) is not merely painful but so severely "broken" that it is beyond healing or relief. This usage emphasizes the irreparable nature of the calamity that will befall Nineveh, a complete and devastating ruin from which there is no recovery.
In both instances, `{{H7465}}` functions to convey the absolute severity and finality of destruction or harm, often as a consequence of divine judgment against sin and rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7465}}` is closely intertwined with several other Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H7451}}` (רָעַע, raʻaʻ):** The verbal root from which `{{H7465}}` is derived. It means "to be evil, bad, displeasing" and "to break, shatter." This connection highlights that the "breakage" or "destruction" conveyed by `{{H7465}}` is often a manifestation of "evil" or its consequence.
* **`{{H7455}}` (רֹעַ, rôaʻ):** A closely related noun, meaning "evil," "wickedness," "misery," or "calamity." The definition of `{{H7465}}` explicitly links it to this word, emphasizing that the state of "brokenness" is synonymous with profound "misery" or "calamity."
* **`{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, shāvar):** A common verb meaning "to break," "shatter," or "burst." This verb often describes physical breaking, but also the breaking of spirits or nations. In [[Nahum 3:19]], "wound" is `{{H7667}}` (שֶׁבֶר, shever), a noun from this root, further emphasizing the concept of brokenness.
* **`{{H7489}}` (רָצַץ, ratsats):** To crush, oppress, break in pieces. Similar to `{{H7451}}`, this verb also conveys a sense of violent breaking or shattering.
The concept of "utter destruction" or "irreparable harm" is central to these related terms, particularly when describing divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7465}}` lies primarily in its potent portrayal of divine judgment and the severe consequences of human sin and rebellion.
1. **Severity of Divine Judgment:** The word underscores the absolute and devastating nature of God's wrath against idolatry and persistent wickedness. It signifies a judgment that leads to complete ruin, a state of brokenness from which there is no human recovery. This highlights God's justice and His unwavering commitment to upholding His covenant and moral order.
2. **Irreparable Consequences of Sin:** `{{H7465}}` conveys that certain acts of rebellion can lead to an incurable state of destruction. The "grievous wound" of Nineveh or the "utter destruction" of the Judahite remnant serves as a stark warning that sin, when unrepentant, can incur consequences that are beyond human remedy or restoration.
3. **Sovereignty of God:** In both biblical occurrences, the "breakage" or "grievousness" is either directly ordained by God ([[Jeremiah 44:27]]) or implicitly a result of His decree against a wicked nation ([[Nahum 3:19]]). This demonstrates God's sovereign power to bring about complete ruin and His control over the destinies of nations and individuals.
4. **The Need for Divine Mercy and Healing:** By vividly depicting a state of utter brokenness, `{{H7465}}` implicitly highlights the profound need for divine mercy and intervention for any true healing or restoration to occur. Where human efforts are futile against such "grievous" wounds, only God can bring about true mending and new life.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רֹעָה (rôʻâh, `{{H7465}}`) signifies "breakage" or "shattering," extending to "utter destruction" and "grievous harm." Derived from the root `{{H7451}}` ("to be evil, to break") and closely related to `{{H7455}}` ("evil, misery"), it powerfully conveys a state of profound and often irreparable ruin. Its biblical occurrences in [[Jeremiah 44:27]] and [[Nahum 3:19]] consistently depict it in contexts of divine judgment, emphasizing the complete and devastating consequences of unrepentant sin. Theologically, `{{H7465}}` serves as a solemn reminder of God's righteous judgment, the severe and often incurable nature of sin's consequences, and ultimately, the sovereign power of God to bring about ultimate brokenness.
TRV