רְוָיָה
satisfaction
Definition
The noun רְוָיָה (rᵉvâyâh) primarily means 'satiety,' 'abundance,' or 'overflowing satisfaction.' It describes a state of being fully satisfied or filled to the point of excess. In Psalm 23:5, it poetically depicts the cup of blessing as not just full but 'overflowing,' symbolizing God's abundant provision. In Psalm 66:12, it is used in the plural form to describe the 'wealthy' or 'abundant' places God brings His people through, contrasting hardship with ultimate prosperity.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the Psalms. It is used in poetic contexts to emphasize God's abundant blessing and provision. In Psalm 23:5, it modifies a 'cup' to show extravagant care. In Psalm 66:12, its plural form ('רְוָחִים') describes 'a place of abundance' or 'wealth,' highlighting the transition from trial to God-given prosperity.
Etymology
Derived from the root רָוָה (rāwâ, H7301), meaning 'to drink one's fill,' 'to be saturated,' or 'to be drenched.' This root conveys the idea of being thoroughly satisfied with liquid, from which רְוָיָה develops the abstract sense of satiety and overflowing abundance.
Semantic Range
This word enriches the understanding of God's character as a generous provider who exceeds mere sufficiency. The 'overflowing cup' in Psalm 23:5 is a powerful metaphor for divine grace and covenantal blessing that surpasses expectation. It connects to themes of God's abundance, the joy of salvation, and the ultimate satisfaction found in Him alone, contrasting with worldly scarcity.
In an ancient Near Eastern context where scarcity was a common threat, the imagery of an overflowing cup or abundant place represented ultimate security, hospitality, and divine favor. A host offering an overflowing cup was a sign of great generosity and honor, making this a potent picture of God's lavish care for His people.
שָׂבַע (śāḇaʿ, H7646) — emphasizes being full or satisfied, often with food. עֹשֶׁר (ʿōšer, H6239) — denotes material wealth or riches. דֶּשֶׁן (dešen, H1880) — connotes fatness or richness, often of fertile land or offerings.
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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