### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **raʻyâh**, represented by `{{H7474}}`, is defined as a **female associate**, **fellow**, or **love**. It is the feminine of רֵעַ. This specific term appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**, with its usage concentrated heavily in the Song of Solomon as a term of endearment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7474}}` is overwhelmingly used as an intimate address from a lover to his beloved. In the Song of Solomon, the term "my **love**" appears repeatedly, often paired with affirmations of beauty and calls to companionship, as in, "Rise up, my **love**, my fair one, and come away" [[Song of Solomon 2:10]]. The speaker uses it to express deep affection and admiration, declaring, "Thou art all fair, my **love**; there is no spot in thee" [[Song of Solomon 4:7]]. A different context is found in Judges, where Jephthah's daughter asks for time to "bewail my virginity, I and my **fellows**," using `{{H7474}}` to signify her female companions [[Judges 11:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the meaning of a cherished female companion:
* `{{H1730}}` **dôwd** (beloved, love): Often considered the male counterpart to **raʻyâh**, this word is used for a male lover or friend. In Song of Solomon, the two terms are often reciprocal, as seen when the voice of her **beloved** `{{H1730}}` calls her his **love** `{{H7474}}` [[Song of Solomon 5:2]].
* `{{H3303}}` **yâpheh** (beautiful, fair): This adjective is frequently used to describe the "love." The connection is direct and repeated, such as in "Thou art **beautiful**, O my **love**" [[Song of Solomon 6:4]] and "behold, thou art **fair**, my **love**" [[Song of Solomon 1:15]].
* `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (dove): A term of endearment used in parallel with `{{H7474}}`, symbolizing gentleness and affection. The lover calls to his beloved, "my **love**, my **dove**, my undefiled" [[Song of Solomon 5:2]].
* `{{H7464}}` **rêʻâh** (companion, fellow): A feminine term for a female associate that appears alongside `{{H7474}}` in [[Judges 11:37]], where the two words together describe the "fellows" of Jephthah's daughter, highlighting the theme of female companionship.
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7474}}` is found in its portrayal of an ideal relationship.
* **Expression of Intimate Love:** The primary significance of `{{H7474}}` is its role as a premier term of affection within the Song of Solomon. It expresses a deep, personal bond, as when the beloved is compared to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots [[Song of Solomon 1:9]].
* **Ideal of Cherished Value:** The word is consistently associated with unique worth and beauty. The speaker elevates his love above all others, stating, "As the lily among thorns, so is my **love** among the daughters" [[Song of Solomon 2:2]].
* **Bond of Companionship:** Beyond romantic love, `{{H7474}}` encompasses the idea of fellowship. Its use in [[Judges 11:37]] for "fellows," or female associates, grounds the term in a mutual, supportive relationship between women.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7474}}` is a nuanced term that begins with the meaning of a "female associate" and blossoms into a declaration of "love." Its prominent use in the Song of Solomon establishes it as a word of tender affection, linked to beauty and exclusive devotion. Yet, its appearance in Judges reveals a broader application to female fellowship, showing that **raʻyâh** ultimately signifies a cherished female companion, valued for the deep bond she shares, whether in romance or friendship.
TRV