Hebrew · H7462, G2844 · unreviewed

רֹעֶה

To tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule ; by extension, to associate with (as a friend) · participant

These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.

Words in this compound — expand to study each participant

רָעָה H7462 to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule ; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)
Pronunciation rō‘î
Shepherd metaphor foundational to kingship and covenantal care; moves from literal pasturing to ruling to companionship.
Open lexicon entry →
κοινωνός G2844 participant
Pronunciation koinōnós
Open lexicon entry →

What does רֹעֶה (roeh) mean in the Bible?

רָעָה · κοινωνός is a Hebrew word meaning "associate, companion, one who keeps company with".

Full entry for רֹעֶה (H7462, G2844) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

associate, companion, one who keeps company with
Grammatical Forms

How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.

Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 80×
Participle active 1Kgs 22:17 · 1Sam 16:11 · 1Sam 17:34 · 1Sam 25:16 · 2Chr 18:16 · Exod 3:1 · Ezek 34:2 · Ezek 34:5 · Ezek 34:7 · Ezek 34:8 · Ezek 34:12 · Ezek 34:23 · Gen 4:2 · Gen 29:9 · Gen 30:36 · Gen 37:2 48×
Imperfect Ezek 34:2 · Ezek 34:10 · Isa 49:9 · Isa 65:25 · Mic 7:14 · Prov 10:21 · Zeph 3:13 · Ezek 34:23 · Isa 27:10 · Isa 30:23 · Isa 40:11 · Prov 15:14 · Ezek 34:14 · Ezek 34:15 · Gen 30:31 · Zech 11:9 25×
Sequential imperfect Mic 7:14 · Zech 11:4 · Gen 29:7
Jussive Exod 34:3 · Jonah 3:7
Perfect Ezek 34:8 · Jer 6:3
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action
Perfect Judg 14:20
Hithpael reflexive or reciprocal — the subject acts on itself or mutually with others
Jussive Prov 22:24
Hebrew Verb Forms

How this verb appears across 82 occurrences in the Hebrew OT (OSHB Leningrad Codex).

Aspect / Form
Participle 48 Imperfect 28 Perfect 3 Imperative 3
Stem
Qal 80 Piel 1 Hithpael 1
Mood
Indicative/jussive 21 Indicative/cohortative 4 Jussive 3 Indicative 3 Imperative 3

Aspect in Hebrew reflects grammatical form, not tense. "Perfect" (Perfective) typically denotes completed action; "Imperfect" (Imperfective) denotes incomplete or ongoing action. Stem modifies the action type (Qal=simple, Niphal=passive, Piel=intensive, etc.).

Morphology: OSHB WLC (Open Scriptures, CC BY 4.0) · STEPBible TEHMC (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0)

Sources