רְעוּת

רְעוּת

a feeding upon, i.e. grasping after

Definition

The Hebrew noun רְעוּת (rᵉʻûwth) describes a state of striving, vexation, or grasping after something. In Ecclesiastes, it primarily conveys the idea of futile labor or anxious striving that brings no lasting satisfaction, as seen in Ecclesiastes 1:14 and 2:11 where it is paired with 'chasing after wind.' It can also refer to the 'feeding' or 'pasture' that God grants to those who please Him, implying a provision or portion (Ecclesiastes 2:26). Thus, the word encompasses both the negative sense of fruitless human effort and the positive sense of divine gift.

Biblical Usage

This word appears exclusively in the book of Ecclesiastes, all seven times. It is used to critique the emptiness of human toil and ambition (Ecclesiastes 1:14, 2:11, 2:17, 4:4, 4:6, 6:9). In one instance, it describes a gift from God: 'to the one who pleases him, God gives... and רְעוּת' (Ecclesiastes 2:26), shifting the context to divine provision.

Etymology

Derived from the root רָעָה (rāʻâ, H7462), meaning 'to feed, tend, pasture.' רְעוּת is a noun form, literally meaning 'a feeding' or 'pasturage.' This root connection explains its dual semantic range: from the basic act of grazing or consuming, it developed the metaphorical senses of striving to obtain (like an animal seeking food) and, conversely, the provision itself.

Semantic Range

רְעוּת is central to the theological message of Ecclesiastes on the 'vanity' of life under the sun. It powerfully illustrates the futility of self-driven labor and ambition apart from God. The contrast in Ecclesiastes 2:26 is key: human רְעוּת (vexatious striving) is meaningless, but God-given רְעוּת (portion/gift) is a blessing. This enriches the reading of Ecclesiastes by highlighting that true satisfaction is not achieved by grasping but is received as a gift from God. In an agrarian society, the imagery of 'feeding' or 'pasturing' was immediate. The striving implied by this word would evoke the constant, often anxious, labor of shepherds to find pasture for their flocks. The cultural understanding underscores effort that is necessary yet can be exhausting and, without good pasture, ultimately unfruitful—a perfect metaphor for Qoheleth's exploration of work's meaning. עָמָל (ʻāmāl, H5999) — 'toil, labor'; more general term for work, often with a negative connotation of trouble. הֶבֶל (hevel, H1892) — 'vanity, breath'; the overarching theme in Ecclesiastes of which רְעוּת is a specific example. רִיב (rîḇ, H7379) — 'strife, contention'; focuses on conflict rather than internal striving.

Word Details