Strong's Lexicon merea: Companion, friend, neighbor Original Word: מֵרֵעַ Word Origin: Derived from the root רֵעַ (rea), meaning "friend" or "companion." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G4139 (πλησίον, plēsion): Often translated as "neighbor" in the New Testament, reflecting a similar concept of close relational proximity and responsibility. - G5384 (φίλος, philos): Translated as "friend," indicating a personal and affectionate relationship. Usage: The Hebrew word "merea" is used to denote a companion, friend, or neighbor. It often implies a close relationship characterized by mutual support, loyalty, and shared experiences. In the context of the Old Testament, "merea" can refer to both literal neighbors and those with whom one shares a covenantal or communal bond. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israelite society, relationships with neighbors and friends were vital for survival and community cohesion. The concept of "merea" reflects the importance of social bonds in a tribal and agrarian culture where cooperation and mutual aid were necessary for protection, economic stability, and religious observance. The term underscores the value placed on loyalty, trust, and the responsibilities inherent in these relationships. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raah Definition friend, companion NASB Translation adviser (1), companion (3), companions (1), friends (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מֵרֵעַ] noun masculine friend, companion (strange formation; origin dubious; WetzstSyr. Dreschtafel, Z. Ethnol. 1873, 289 compare  miryâ, name of bell-wether among Syrian nomads (properly [inseparable] companion), and derived from ריע ֗֗֗ , properly closely joined; compare Gerber97, 162); — suffix מֵרֵעֵ֫הוּ Genesis 26:26 +, מְרֵעֵ֫הוּ Proverbs 19:7; מֵרֵעֶ֑ךָ Judges 15:2; plural מַרֵעִים Judges 14:11; — companion, confidential friend, Genesis 26:26 (J; compare רֵעֶה); of bridegroom's escort Genesis 14:11, 'best man' (GFM) Genesis 14:20; Genesis 15:2,6; more Generally friends ("" אחים) 2 Samuel 3:8; Proverbs 19:7; Proverbs 12:26 is dubious, Död Hi De and others מִרְעֵהוּ; Toy conjectures possibly (יָסֻר) מֵרָעָה, see further תור. III. רעה (Aramaic רְעָא, 2b, compare Hosea 12:2, and Arabic Strong's Exhaustive Concordance companion, friend From ra'ah in the sense of companionship; a friend -- companion, friend. see HEBREW ra'ah Forms and Transliterations לְמֵ֣רֵעֵ֔הוּ לְמֵרֵעֵ֑הוּ לְמֵרֵעֶ֑ךָ למרעהו למרעך מְ֭רֵעֵהוּ מֵ֣רֵעֵ֔הוּ מֵֽרֵעִ֔ים מֵֽרֵעֵ֔הוּ מרעהו מרעים lə·mê·rê·‘ê·hū lə·mê·rê·‘e·ḵā ləmêrê‘êhū ləmêrê‘eḵā lemereEcha leMereEhu mê·rê·‘ê·hū mə·rê·‘ê·hū mê·rê·‘îm mêrê‘êhū mərê‘êhū mêrê‘îm mereEhu mereImLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 26:26 HEB: מִגְּרָ֑ר וַאֲחֻזַּת֙ מֵֽרֵעֵ֔הוּ וּפִיכֹ֖ל שַׂר־ NAS: to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath KJV: and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol INT: Gerar Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander Judges 14:11 Judges 14:20 Judges 15:2 Judges 15:6 2 Samuel 3:8 Proverbs 19:7 7 Occurrences |
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, take pleasure (in), desire, = Arabic 
[Hebrew רָצָה], whence Aramaic רְעוּתָא desire, רַעֲיָנָא, רַעֲיוֺנָא, 
, opinion, thought, disposition, and following late and Aramaic words in Hebrew, compare NöZMG liv (1900), 155; > De SiegfQoh. 18 and others from I. רעה 
; watch, regard, respect (Lane) [BaWU 46 f. KauArmaismen 82 f. derive following from I. רעה = observe, attend to, specifically tend sheep, also aim at, purpose]). 
