Lexical Summary roah: Evil, wickedness, badness Original Word: רֹעָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance broken, utterly For roa'; breakage -- broken, utterly. see HEBREW roa' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as raa, q.v. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Literary Context The noun רֹעָה appears a single time in the Hebrew canon, in the maxim of Proverbs 25:19. There it forms part of the simile, “Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble” (Proverbs 25:19). The word pictures a tooth that is “bad,” ruined, or unable to perform its intended function. In one swift stroke the sage combines two defective body parts—an aching tooth and a crippled foot—to illustrate how useless, even injurious, misplaced trust can become in a crisis. Imagery and Wisdom Teaching Ancient hearers would have felt the sting of the comparison. Dentistry was primitive, and a decayed tooth brought relentless pain. Likewise, a lame foot left a person vulnerable in travel, warfare, or work. The proverb therefore warns that leaning on a treacherous man is not merely disappointing; it actively increases suffering when help is most needed. The term רֹעָה highlights the “badness” or unfitness of the tooth, emphasizing that the fault lies in the object relied upon, not in the one depending. Theological Significance Scripture’s wisdom literature repeatedly extols steadfast character (Proverbs 20:6; Psalm 15:4) and condemns treachery (Psalm 41:9; Jeremiah 9:8). With רֹעָה the inspired author underlines that moral failure is never private; it fractures community trust and multiplies calamity. The verse also operates canonically as a foil to the unfailing faithfulness of God. While human supports can prove “ro’ah,” Yahweh “is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works” (Psalm 145:13). Historical Perspective Israel’s society was covenantal, welded together by kinship and oath. Dependability could spell survival in siege, harvest, or journey. A companion who collapsed under pressure jarred the collective security of village and clan. Re-reading Proverbs 25:19 against that backdrop, רֹעָה is not mere private disappointment; it is communal hazard. Ministry Application 1. Leadership selection: The proverb cautions churches and ministries to prize faithfulness above charisma, lest a “bad tooth” undermine gospel witness when trials come. Christological Reflection Where human confidence can decay, Christ remains the flawless cornerstone. He is called “Faithful and True” (Revelation 19:11) and promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He embodies the antithesis of רֹעָה, offering unbreakable support in every “time of trouble.” Related Biblical Themes • Trust versus treachery: Psalm 118:8–9; Jeremiah 17:5–8 Forms and Transliterations רֹ֭עָה רעה rō‘āh rō·‘āh RoahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 25:19 HEB: שֵׁ֣ן רֹ֭עָה וְרֶ֣גֶל מוּעָ֑דֶת KJV: of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, INT: tooth a broken foot of joint |
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