from active participle of רָעָה; pastoral; as noun, a shepherd; shipherd.
Transliteration:rôʻîy
Pronunciation:ro-ee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7473 (רֹעִי - rôʻîy) is derived from the active participle of the verbal root H7462 (רָעָה - raʻah), which means "to feed, tend, graze, shepherd." As an active participle, rôʻîy primarily denotes the *person* who performs the action of shepherding, thus "a shepherd" or "herdsman." Its semantic range extends to encompass anything "pastoral" or related to the act of tending flocks. The core meaning emphasizes the responsibilities inherent in this role: guiding, protecting, nourishing, and leading a flock. It speaks to a relationship of care and oversight, distinguishing the one who cares for the flock from the flock itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7473 (rôʻîy) appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating both literal and metaphorical applications of the shepherd role.
* **Literal Shepherds:** Early biblical narratives often depict prominent figures as literal shepherds. Abel was "a keeper of sheep" ([[Genesis 4:2]]), and Jacob's sons were shepherds ([[Genesis 46:32]]). David's humble beginnings as a shepherd before becoming king highlight the qualities of courage and care that prepared him for leadership ([[1 Samuel 17:34-35]]). These instances ground the term in the practical realities of ancient agrarian life.
* **Human Leaders as Shepherds:** The metaphor of the shepherd is extended to human leaders, especially kings and rulers, who are responsible for guiding and caring for God's people. For example, God declares Cyrus to be "My shepherd" ([[Isaiah 44:28]]), indicating his role in leading Israel back from exile. However, the prophets frequently condemn Israel's leaders for failing in their pastoral duties, acting as negligent or oppressive shepherds who scatter rather than gather the flock ([[Jeremiah 23:1-2]]; [[Ezekiel 34:2-10]]). This highlights the high standard of care and justice expected of those in authority.
* **God as the Ultimate Shepherd:** Most profoundly, H7473 is used metaphorically for Yahweh Himself. The iconic [[Psalm 23:1]] declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Here, God embodies the perfect shepherd, providing for, protecting, guiding, and restoring His people. Similarly, [[Psalm 78:71]] speaks of God taking David "from following the ewes with young" to shepherd His people Israel. This divine shepherding is characterized by faithfulness, compassion, and unwavering provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H7473 (rôʻîy) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key terms and concepts:
* **H7462 (רָעָה - raʻah):** The verbal root, meaning "to feed, tend, graze, shepherd." This verb is fundamental, describing the *action* from which rôʻîy (the *actor*) is derived.
* **H6629 (צֹאן - tso'n):** "Flock, sheep." This word represents the object of the shepherd's care, emphasizing the vulnerability and dependence of the sheep on their shepherd.
* **H4830 (מִרְעֶה - mir'eh):** "Pasture." This refers to the place where the shepherd leads the flock for sustenance, underscoring the shepherd's role in provision.
* **H5048 (נָחָה - nachah):** "To lead, guide." This verb describes a crucial aspect of the shepherd's duty, showing the way and ensuring the flock's safe passage.
* **G4166 (ποιμήν - poimēn):** The Greek equivalent in the New Testament, also translated as "shepherd." This term carries the same rich theological connotations, most notably in Jesus' self-identification as the "Good Shepherd" ([[John 10:11, 14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7473 (rôʻîy) is immense, forming a foundational metaphor for understanding God's character and the nature of leadership.
* **God's Covenant Faithfulness and Care:** The imagery of God as a shepherd underscores His intimate, personal, and unwavering care for His people. He is not a distant deity but one who actively guides, protects, and sustains, leading them through dangers and providing for their needs. This metaphor profoundly shapes Israel's understanding of Yahweh's covenant relationship with them.
* **The Ideal of Leadership:** The shepherd metaphor sets a high standard for human leadership, whether political, priestly, or spiritual. True leaders are called to emulate God's compassionate and sacrificial care for His flock, prioritizing their well-being above personal gain. The prophetic denunciations of "worthless shepherds" ([[Zechariah 11:17]]) highlight the severe consequences of negligent or oppressive leadership.
* **Messianic Expectation:** The concept of the shepherd finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic hope. Prophets like Ezekiel foretold the coming of a righteous "one shepherd" who would gather and tend God's scattered flock ([[Ezekiel 34:23-24]]). This expectation is powerfully realized in Jesus Christ, who proclaims Himself the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep ([[John 10:11]]), perfectly embodying the rôʻîy who cares for His flock. The image prefigures the self-sacrificial love and ultimate redemption brought by the Messiah.
### Summary
H7473 (רֹעִי - rôʻîy) is a rich and multifaceted Hebrew term, primarily meaning "shepherd" or "pastoral," derived from the verb H7462 (raʻah) "to tend or feed." While literally referring to those who care for flocks, its most profound usage is metaphorical. It describes human leaders who are called to guide and protect God's people, often with strong prophetic condemnation for those who fail in this sacred trust. Most significantly, rôʻîy serves as a central metaphor for God Himself, portraying Him as the compassionate, providing, and protective Shepherd of Israel. This imagery culminates in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate Good Shepherd, fulfilling the Old Testament's anticipation of a perfect rôʻîy who would gather and lay down His life for His flock. The word thus encapsulates themes of divine care, responsible leadership, and redemptive hope.
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