from רָעָה in the sense of רֵעַ; a female associate; generally an additional one; [phrase] another, mate, neighbour.
Transliteration:rᵉʻûwth
Pronunciation:reh-ooth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth, `{{H7468}}`) derives from the verbal root רָעָה (ra'ah, `{{H7462}}`), which signifies "to pasture," "to shepherd," but also "to associate with" or "to be a friend to." It is closely related to רֵעַ (rea', `{{H7453}}`), meaning "friend," "companion," or "neighbor." The primary sense of רְעוּת thus revolves around companionship and association. Its definition specifically highlights "a female associate," suggesting a particular nuance in its application. While the broader semantic range from its root might imply "another," "mate," or "neighbor" in a general sense, the actual biblical occurrences of רְעוּת consistently point to a female companion or associate, emphasizing a shared bond or relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth, `{{H7468}}`) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing exclusively in the book of Judges, specifically in the narrative concerning Jephthah's daughter.
* In [[Judges 11:37]], Jephthah's daughter requests of her father, "Let me alone for two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep over my virginity, I and my companions (רְעוּתָי)." Here, the word is used in the first person plural possessive, indicating "my female companions."
* Similarly, in [[Judges 11:38]], the text states, "So he said, 'Go.' And he sent her away for two months; and she went with her companions (רְעוּתֶיהָ) and wept over her virginity on the mountains." In this instance, it is the third person plural possessive, "her female companions."
In both occurrences, רְעוּת unequivocally refers to the female friends or associates of Jephthah's daughter. The context is one of profound sorrow and lament, as these women accompany her to mourn her impending sacrifice and the loss of her virginity, which for an Israelite woman meant the end of her lineage and potential motherhood. The presence of these רְעוּת highlights the communal nature of grief and the vital role of female solidarity in times of distress and tragedy. Their shared weeping underscores a deep empathetic bond and mutual support in a time of immense personal and familial crisis.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of רְעוּת is rich with terms related to human connection and social bonds:
* רָעָה (ra'ah, `{{H7462}}`): The verbal root, meaning "to tend," "to shepherd," but also "to associate with," "to befriend." This root encapsulates the idea of close interaction and care.
* רֵעַ (rea', `{{H7453}}`): A masculine noun meaning "friend," "companion," "neighbor." This is the most direct conceptual kin to רְעוּת, emphasizing a relationship of reciprocity and closeness.
* רַעְיָה (ra'yah, `{{H7474}}`): A feminine noun, often translated as "my friend" or "my darling," frequently used in the Song of Solomon to denote a beloved female companion or spouse. This word shares a very close etymological and semantic connection with רְעוּת, explicitly denoting a female associate.
* Concepts of companionship, solidarity, lamentation, and communal support are all intertwined with the usage of רְעוּת. It speaks to the fundamental human need for connection and shared experience, especially in moments of vulnerability and sorrow.
### Theological Significance
Though רְעוּת is limited in its biblical occurrences, its specific context carries significant theological weight. The presence of these female companions in Jephthah's daughter's final moments of lament underscores the biblical importance of community and mutual support, even in the face of tragic circumstances.
1. **Human Relationality:** The word implicitly affirms the relational nature of humanity, created in the image of a relational God. Even in despair, individuals are not meant to suffer in isolation but find solace and strength in the presence of others.
2. **Compassion and Empathy:** The רְעוּת share in the sorrow of Jephthah's daughter, demonstrating empathy and compassion. This act of shared mourning reflects a divine expectation for believers to bear one another's burdens and enter into the suffering of others.
3. **Theological Implications of Suffering:** In the tragic narrative of Jephthah's vow, the רְעוּת bear witness to the consequences of a rash promise and the profound human cost. Their presence, while not altering the outcome, provides a humanizing element to the tragedy, highlighting the communal response to suffering within the covenant community.
4. **Feminine Solidarity:** The specific identification of these companions as female associates speaks to the unique bonds and support systems that exist among women, a theme subtly present throughout scripture, from the lamentations of Israelite women to the fellowship of women in the early church.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth, `{{H7468}}`) is a rare but poignant term, primarily denoting a "female associate" or "companion." Derived from the root רָעָה (ra'ah, `{{H7462}}`) and closely related to רֵעַ (rea', `{{H7453}}`), it signifies a bond of companionship. Its sole appearances in [[Judges 11:37]] and [[Judges 11:38]] describe the female friends of Jephthah's daughter who accompany her in her lamentation over her virginity and impending sacrifice. This usage emphasizes the vital role of solidarity, empathy, and communal support, particularly among women, in navigating profound sorrow and distress. Though limited in occurrences, רְעוּת offers a glimpse into the biblical value of human connection and shared experience in the face of life's most challenging moments.
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