Lexical Summary reabon: Hunger, Famine Original Word: רְעָבוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance famine From ra'eb; famine -- famine. see HEBREW ra'eb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raeb Definition hunger, lack of food, famine NASB Translation famine (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs רְעָבוֺן noun [masculine] hunger, lack of food, famine; — construct רַעֲבוֺן בָּֽתֵּיכֶם Genesis 42:19,33 (E); absolute בִּימֵי רְעָבוֺן Psalm 37:19. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope רְעָבוֹן denotes a period of hunger brought about by extended shortage of food. It is distinct from the more common Hebrew noun רָעָב, appearing only three times and emphasizing the concrete need that presses upon households rather than the broader national catastrophe. Occurrences and Literary Context Genesis 42:19 – During Joseph’s first encounter with his brothers, he allows them to “carry grain for the famine in your households”. Here, רְעָבוֹן depicts an urgent crisis that has driven the family to Egypt and set in motion God’s providential plan for reconciliation. Genesis 42:33 – Recounting Joseph’s conditions to Jacob, the brothers repeat, “Take food to relieve the famine for your households”. The verse underlines personal responsibility—each household must act in faith on God’s provision already placed within reach. Psalm 37:19 – The psalmist assures the righteous that “in the days of famine they will be satisfied”. רְעָבוֹן becomes a foil highlighting Yahweh’s covenant faithfulness; scarcity cannot overturn His pledge to uphold those who trust Him. Historical Background In the ancient Near East, famine regularly shadowed agrarian life. Dependence on seasonal rains, vulnerable trade routes, and political instability could all precipitate hunger. Egypt’s Nile basin, with its more predictable floods, was a known refuge, explaining Jacob’s resort to Egyptian grain. Archaeological records (such as inscriptions from Middle Kingdom Egypt) confirm organized granary systems akin to the biblical account, underscoring Scripture’s historical reliability. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty: Famine is pictured neither as random nor merely natural but as an instrument within God’s redemptive economy. Joseph testifies later, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve you” (Genesis 45:5). Prophetic and Eschatological Resonance Scripture extends the theme of famine to prophetic warning (Amos 8:11) and final judgment (Revelation 6:5–6). The limited occurrences of רְעָבוֹן foreshadow the greater spiritual famines humanity faces apart from God’s word, while also prefiguring ultimate deliverance for the faithful remnant. Christological Connection Joseph’s role as bread-provider anticipates Jesus Christ, the true Bread of Life (John 6:35). Physical famine drives the patriarchs toward salvation mediated through one exalted man; spiritual famine drives sinners to the risen Christ, who satisfies forever. Practical and Ministry Application • Stewardship: Joseph’s foresight urges believers to couple faith with prudent planning. Summary רְעָבוֹן, though rare, carries rich theological weight. It exposes human frailty, showcases divine provision, and directs the reader toward the ultimate remedy in the gospel. The same God who satisfied households in Genesis and upheld the righteous in Psalms remains the faithful Provider, calling His people to trust, obey, and feed both body and soul. Forms and Transliterations רְעָב֣וֹן רַעֲב֥וֹן רעבון ra‘ăḇōwn ra·‘ă·ḇō·wn raaVon rə‘āḇōwn rə·‘ā·ḇō·wn reaVonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 42:19 HEB: הָבִ֔יאוּ שֶׁ֖בֶר רַעֲב֥וֹן בָּתֵּיכֶֽם׃ NAS: grain for the famine of your households, KJV: corn for the famine of your houses: INT: carry grain the famine of your households Genesis 42:33 Psalm 37:19 3 Occurrences |
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