probably from רָפָה; a stall for cattle (from their resting there); stall.
Transliteration:repheth
Pronunciation:reh'-feth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רֶפֶת (repheth, `{{H7517}}`) is defined as "a stall for cattle." Its etymology is most likely derived from the root רָפָה (raphah, `{{H7503}}`), meaning "to sink, relax, be slack, let go." This etymological connection is crucial, as it highlights the primary function of a רֶפֶת as a place of rest and repose for livestock. The semantic range of רֶפֶת is quite narrow, referring specifically to an enclosure or shelter designed to house cattle, providing them with a place to rest, be fed, and be protected, typically within an agricultural setting. It denotes a practical, functional structure essential to ancient agrarian life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רֶפֶת (repheth, `{{H7517}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly poignant and significant.
* **[[Habakkuk 3:17]]**: "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls (רֶפֶת)."
In this profound prophetic lament, Habakkuk describes a scenario of absolute agricultural and economic devastation. The absence of "herd in the stalls" (רֶפֶת) is the culmination of a series of catastrophic losses, symbolizing the complete lack of livestock. For an ancient society deeply reliant on animals for sustenance, labor, and wealth, an empty רֶפֶת signifies utter destitution and the collapse of the very foundations of livelihood. The stall, typically a place of productivity and provision, stands empty, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment or hardship and the complete barrenness that the prophet envisions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological root for רֶפֶת is רָפָה (raphah, `{{H7503}}`), which signifies "to sink, relax, be slack, let go." This connection emphasizes the stall as a place of repose and rest for the animals. Other Hebrew words related to animal enclosures or shelters include:
* מִרְבֵּץ (mirbetz, `{{H4786}}`): "a lying down place," often referring to a resting place for flocks.
* גָּדֵר (gader, `{{H1447}}`): "a wall, fence," frequently used in the context of enclosing a fold or pasture.
* דִּיר (dir, `{{H1777}}`): "a fold, enclosure" for sheep or cattle, a more general term for an animal pen.
* אֻרְוָה (urvah, `{{H2206}}`): "a stable," specifically for horses, as seen in [[1 Kings 4:26]].
The concept of רֶפֶת is inherently linked to agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and the broader themes of divine provision and, conversely, desolation. It grounds the theological message within the tangible realities of ancient Israelite subsistence.
### Theological Significance
Though רֶפֶת (repheth) is a mundane term for a physical structure, its singular and climactic appearance in [[Habakkuk 3:17]] imbues it with profound theological significance. In this verse, the empty רֶפֶת serves as a potent symbol of complete material deprivation. It is presented as the ultimate test of faith, immediately preceding Habakkuk's iconic declaration: "yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
This juxtaposition elevates the רֶפֶת from a mere building to a crucial element in a powerful theological statement. The emptiness of the stalls represents the failure of all earthly provisions and the stripping away of every human comfort and security. In this context, the prophet's resolve to rejoice in God, irrespective of what God provides, underscores a faith that transcends circumstances. It highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, including the means of sustenance. Even when human efforts and natural resources fail, God remains the ultimate source of joy, strength, and salvation. The רֶפֶת, therefore, becomes a stark backdrop against which the unwavering steadfastness of faith in the face of ultimate lack is powerfully demonstrated.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רֶפֶת (repheth, `{{H7517}}`) denotes a "stall for cattle," likely derived from רָפָה (raphah, `{{H7503}}`), emphasizing its function as a place of rest for livestock. Its sole occurrence in [[Habakkuk 3:17]] is exceptionally significant. In this prophetic passage, the depiction of empty רֶפֶת symbolizes a complete agricultural and economic collapse, representing the direst form of material desolation. This vivid image serves as a powerful contrast to the prophet's subsequent declaration of unwavering faith and joy in the Lord, even when all earthly provisions are gone. Thus, רֶפֶת, while simply an animal enclosure, transforms into a poignant symbol of human dependence on divine provision and the profound theological truth that true faith rejoices in God Himself, irrespective of external circumstances.
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