### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth), Strong's number `{{H7469}}`, is derived from the root רָעָה (râʻâh), `{{H7462}}`, which primarily signifies "to pasture," "to shepherd," or "to tend." From this foundational meaning, רְעוּת develops a nuanced semantic range often translated as "vexation," "striving," or "grasping after." The underlying concept is that of "feeding upon" or "pursuing" something, but in a way that ultimately leads to dissatisfaction, futility, or weariness. It speaks to an insatiable desire or an intense effort directed towards something that proves to be empty or without lasting value. This sense of futility is central to its usage, particularly in the book of Ecclesiastes, where it describes the emptiness of human endeavors when pursued apart from divine wisdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth) is found almost exclusively in the book of Ecclesiastes, appearing nine times. Its most prominent usage is in the recurring phrase "striving after wind" (רַעְיוֹן רוּחַ - *ra'yon ruach* or sometimes רְעוּת רוּחַ - *rᵉʻûwth ruach* in some textual traditions/interpretations, though the Masoretic Text consistently uses the former, with rᵉʻûwth as a separate, but related concept of vexation/grasping). The Septuagint often translates it with Greek terms like προαίρεσις (*proairesis*, "choice, purpose") or ὄρεξις (*orexis*, "desire, longing"), highlighting the internal disposition of the one striving.
In Ecclesiastes, Qoheleth employs רְעוּת to describe the frustrating and ultimately unfulfilling nature of various human pursuits "under the sun":
* The pursuit of wisdom and knowledge: [[Ecclesiastes 1:14]], [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]]
* The pursuit of pleasure and wealth: [[Ecclesiastes 2:17]]
* The toil of human labor: [[Ecclesiastes 4:4]], [[Ecclesiastes 4:6]]
* The quest for power and popularity: [[Ecclesiastes 4:16]]
* The endless desires of the eye: [[Ecclesiastes 6:9]]
In each instance, רְעוּת underscores the vanity (הֶבֶל - *hebel*, `{{H1892}}`) of these endeavors, suggesting that they are like trying to grasp the wind – an impossible and pointless task. The term encapsulates the weariness and disillusionment that arise from seeking ultimate meaning and satisfaction in temporal things. For example, in [[Ecclesiastes 4:6]], the contrast between "a handful with quietness" and "two hands full with toil and a striving after wind" highlights the burdensome nature of relentless pursuit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root from which רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth) is derived is רָעָה (râʻâh), `{{H7462}}`, "to shepherd, tend." While the direct semantic leap to "vexation" might seem large, it can be understood as a "feeding upon" or "pursuing" in an insatiable manner, leading to an empty outcome rather than sustenance. This contrasts with the positive connotations of shepherding as nurturing and guiding.
The most crucial conceptual link for רְעוּת is to הֶבֶל (hebel), `{{H1892}}`, "vanity," "breath," or "vapor." These two terms are frequently paired in Ecclesiastes, with רְעוּת often serving to explain *why* something is *hebel* – it is a striving after something ephemeral, like wind (רוּחַ - *ruach*, `{{H7307}}`), that cannot be captured or held. Other related concepts include:
* **עָמָל** (*ʻamal*, `{{H5999}}`): "toil," "labor," "trouble," often linked with the futility of human effort.
* **יִתְרוֹן** (*yitrôn*, `{{H3499}}`): "advantage," "profit," which Qoheleth often finds lacking "under the sun."
* **חֶסְרוֹן** (*chesrôn*, `{{H2637}}`): "lack," "deficiency," which characterizes the outcome of much human striving.
The interconnectedness of these terms paints a comprehensive picture of Qoheleth's assessment of life's pursuits apart from divine wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth) lies at the heart of Ecclesiastes' message. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the human condition when existence is viewed solely from an earthly perspective ("under the sun"). The "grasping after" or "striving after" various worldly achievements—wisdom, wealth, pleasure, power—is ultimately depicted as a futile exercise, leading to profound vexation and emptiness.
This term underscores the inherent limitations of human effort and the inability of created things to provide ultimate satisfaction or meaning. It challenges the common human tendency to seek fulfillment in temporal pursuits, revealing them as a chasing after wind. The theological implication is a profound critique of idolatry, where anything other than God becomes the object of ultimate desire and striving.
By meticulously cataloging these "vexations," Qoheleth prepares his readers for the climactic conclusion of the book: that true meaning, lasting satisfaction, and genuine wisdom are found only in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([[Ecclesiastes 12:13]]). Thus, רְעוּת functions as a theological signpost, pointing away from the futility of self-centered human striving and towards the necessity of a God-centered life.
### Summary
רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth, `{{H7469}}`) is a profound Hebrew term, primarily found in Ecclesiastes, signifying "vexation," "striving," or "grasping after." Derived from the root "to shepherd" (`{{H7462}}`), it conveys the idea of an insatiable pursuit that ultimately yields emptiness and dissatisfaction. In its consistent pairing with הֶבֶל (hebel, `{{H1892}}`), "vanity," and the imagery of "striving after wind" (רוּחַ, `{{H7307}}`), it encapsulates Qoheleth's central argument about the futility of all human endeavors when detached from a divine perspective. Theologically, רְעוּת serves as a critical diagnostic tool for the human condition, highlighting the inherent limitations of seeking ultimate meaning in worldly pursuits and directing the reader towards the singular source of true wisdom and lasting contentment: a life lived in reverence and obedience to God.
TRV