רְעוּת (re.ut)
re.ut
neighbor
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun re'ut appears only five times in the Old Testament and refers specifically to a female companion or neighbor. While the more common term re'a covers both men and women, this feminine form narrows the focus to women who share close social ties. It describes a relationship of intimacy and mutual support between two women, rather than a general acquaintance.
This word highlights the specific bonds formed within women's communities in ancient Israel. In verses such as Isaiah 3:16-24 and Zechariah 14:1, it is used to describe groups of women whose behavior or fate is being addressed by the prophets. The term underscores that these relationships were significant enough to be mentioned in divine judgment and restoration narratives.
Translators often render re'ut as "neighbor woman" or "female companion," capturing the dual sense of proximity and affection. Unlike broader terms for neighbor, this word emphasizes the personal nature of the connection. It reflects a cultural reality where women maintained distinct networks of friendship and support that played a vital role in daily life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word re'ut points to the specific, close bonds between women in ancient Israel. It is not a general term for anyone nearby, but rather a female companion or neighbor with whom one shares deep social ties. This distinction reminds us that community is built on genuine intimacy and mutual support, not just proximity.
In passages like Isaiah 34:16, the idea of a 'mate' or companion is central to God's care for creation. Even in the wild, every creature has its partner. This reflects a divine pattern where connection is essential for flourishing. For you, this means your friendships are not accidental; they are part of how God sustains life and provides companionship.
When we look at verses like Exodus 11:2, we see that these relationships involved practical exchange and trust. Women asked their neighbors for help, relying on established bonds of goodwill. Your own connections can be a source of strength and grace, reflecting the supportive networks God designed for human life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- companion/ its2×
- to/ fellow woman/ her1×
- neighbor [fem]/ her1×
- [female] neighbor/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְעוּתָֽ/הּ\׃2×
- רְעוּתָ֖/הּ1×
- רְעוּתָ֔/הּ1×
- לִ/רְעוּתָ֖/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 34:16
Search in the book of Yahweh, and read: not one of these will be missing. None will lack her mate. For my mouth has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them.
This verse uses the concept of a 'mate' or companion to show that nothing in God's creation is left without its proper partner, highlighting the importance of connection.
-
Exodus 11:2
Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.”
Here the text mentions women asking their neighbors for jewels, illustrating how close social ties facilitated practical support and trust within the community.
-
Zechariah 11:9
Then I said, “I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other’s flesh.”
Although this verse describes a breakdown of care, it references the expectation that leaders should feed and protect their people, contrasting with the isolation implied by the loss of neighborly bonds.