רֵעָה
a female associate
Definition
The Hebrew noun רֵעָה (rêʻâh) refers specifically to a female companion, associate, or intimate friend. It is the feminine counterpart to the common masculine noun רֵעַ (re'a, H7453), meaning 'friend' or 'neighbor.' In its two biblical occurrences, it describes a close, personal relationship. In Judges 11:38, it refers to the female companions of Jephthah's daughter, who accompany her in her mourning. In Psalm 45:14, it describes the royal companions, the 'virgin companions' who follow the queen into the king's palace, indicating a status of honored attendants.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, in two distinct contexts that both emphasize close association. In the narrative of Judges 11:38, it describes the female friends who share in Jephthah's daughter's grief, highlighting a bond of emotional support. In the royal wedding psalm, Psalm 45:14, it refers to the bride's entourage of honored maidens, emphasizing companionship within a celebratory, ceremonial setting. Both uses convey a sense of intimate fellowship and shared experience among women.
Etymology
רֵעָה (rêʻâh) is the feminine form of the common masculine noun רֵעַ (re'a, H7453), meaning 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'neighbor.' The root idea involves association, companionship, and fellowship. The masculine form is used hundreds of times, often in contexts of covenant loyalty and ethical treatment (e.g., 'love your neighbor'). The feminine form carries the same core meaning but specifies a female participant in that relational bond.
Semantic Range
While a simple noun, understanding רֵעָה enriches reading by highlighting the biblical recognition of deep, supportive friendships among women, as seen in the poignant story of Judges 11. It also connects to the broader theological theme of 're'a' (neighbor) found in the Law and wisdom literature, which commands love and ethical treatment within community. The word reminds us that these commands and concepts of fellowship apply fully to relationships between women.
In the ancient Near East, close same-gender friendships and companionships were vital for social and emotional support, especially for women whose social spheres were often more segregated. The companions in Judges 11 share a ritual mourning, and those in Psalm 45 are part of a royal procession, reflecting how female companionship was integrated into both times of tragedy and celebration. Their role was active and socially recognized.
רֵעַ (re'a, H7453) — The masculine counterpart, meaning 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'neighbor,' used for general and covenantal relationships. אַלּוּף (allûph, H441) — 'familiar friend,' often implying intimacy and trust, but not gender-specific. חֲבֵרָה (chăvêrâh, H2278) — A female companion or associate, used in later Hebrew; not found in the Hebrew Bible.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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