רועה
ro'e
The Hebrew word for shepherd is רועה (ro'e).
The term refers to a person who tends sheep.
Meaning: a person who tends sheep (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ר–ע–ה (r-a-h), which relates to the concept of grazing or herding.
How does it change in a sentence?
רועה is the masculine singular noun. The feminine plural form of the word is רועות.
How do you pronounce it?
ro'e
Did you know?
- The word רועה is a cognate with the Akkadian word 𒉺𒇻 (rē'ûm) and the Arabic word رَاعٍ (rāʕin), showing a shared ancient linguistic root across the Near East.
- While רועה means 'shepherd', the word רועה can also function as a verb meaning 'to graze', blurring the line between the person and the action of the animals.
- The phrase רועה צאן is the more complete way to say 'shepherd', as צאן refers to sheep and goats collectively.
Examples in context
- רועה טוב דואג לכל הצאן.ore tov do'eg le'chol ha'tsan.A good shepherd cares for all the flock.
Example conversation
Rotem and Noam are talking about a documentary they watched.
- רוטם Rotemראית את הסרט על הרועה?ra'it et ha'seret al ha'ore?Did you see the film about the shepherd?
- נועם Noamכן, הוא נראה כמו רועה אמיתי.ken, hu nira kmo ore amiti.Yes, he looks like a real shepherd.
- רוטם Rotemהוא טיפל בצאן בצורה נפלאה.hu tipe'l ba'tsan be'chura nifla'ah.He tended the flock wonderfully.
- נועם Noamזה היה ממש מרגש.ze haya mamash meragesh.It was really moving.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries רועה, CC BY-SA 4.0.
