In biblical contexts, the term "graze" primarily refers to the act of animals feeding on grass or other vegetation. This activity is often associated with pastoral life, shepherding, and the provision of sustenance for livestock, which were central to the agrarian societies of the ancient Near East. The imagery of grazing is frequently used in Scripture to convey themes of provision, peace, and divine care.

Old Testament References

The concept of grazing is vividly depicted in the pastoral scenes of the Old Testament. In Genesis 13:10, Lot chooses the well-watered plains of the Jordan, which were "like the garden of the LORD," for their suitability for grazing. This choice underscores the importance of fertile land for sustaining flocks and herds.

In Psalm 23, the Lord is portrayed as a shepherd who leads His sheep to "green pastures" (Psalm 23:2), symbolizing His provision and care. The imagery of grazing in this psalm reflects a state of peace and security under God's guidance.

The prophetic literature also uses grazing imagery to depict future blessings and restoration. Isaiah 65:25 describes a harmonious creation where "the wolf and the lamb will feed together," illustrating a return to Edenic peace and abundance.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not frequently mention grazing directly, the pastoral imagery continues to be significant. Jesus refers to Himself as the "Good Shepherd" in John 10:11, emphasizing His role in providing for and protecting His flock. The metaphor of shepherding inherently includes the concept of grazing, as the shepherd leads the sheep to pastures where they can feed.

Theological Significance

Grazing, as depicted in the Bible, carries rich theological implications. It symbolizes God's provision and the sustenance He offers to His people. Just as a shepherd ensures that his flock has access to nourishing pastures, God provides for the physical and spiritual needs of His followers.

Moreover, grazing imagery is often associated with peace and rest. In a world marked by turmoil and uncertainty, the biblical portrayal of grazing in green pastures serves as a reminder of the tranquility and security found in God's presence.

Practical Applications

For believers, the concept of grazing can serve as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment. Just as sheep require physical sustenance, Christians are called to seek spiritual nourishment through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. The act of grazing can thus be seen as an invitation to rest in God's provision and to trust in His care.

In summary, the biblical theme of grazing encompasses both the literal and metaphorical, illustrating God's provision, peace, and the promise of restoration. Through the imagery of grazing, Scripture invites believers to experience the fullness of life under the care of the Divine Shepherd.1. (v. t.) To feed or supply (cattle, sheep, etc.) with grass; to furnish pasture for.

2. (v. t.) To feed on; to eat (growing herbage); to eat grass from (a pasture); to browse.

3. (v. t.) To tend (cattle, etc.) while grazing.

4. (v. t.) To rub or touch lightly the surface of (a thing) in passing; as, the bullet grazed the wall.

5. (v. i.) To eat grass; to feed on growing herbage; as, cattle graze on the meadows.

6. (v. i.) To yield grass for grazing.

7. (v. i.) To touch something lightly in passing.

8. (n.) The act of grazing; the cropping of grass.

9. (n.) A light touch; a slight scratch.

1006. bosko -- to feed
... I feed, pasture. 1006 -- properly, (graze); (figuratively) nourish by feeding
people the Word of God (Jn 21:15,17). While 4166 () focuses ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1006.htm - 7k

5530. chraomai -- to use, make use of
... Middle voice of a primary verb (perhaps rather from cheir, to handle); to furnish
what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5530.htm - 7k

7462a. raah -- to pasture, tend, graze
... 7462, 7462a. raah. 7462b . to pasture, tend, graze. Transliteration:
raah Short Definition: shepherds. Word Origin a prim. root ...
/hebrew/7462a.htm - 6k

7462. ra'ah -- to pasture, tend, graze
ra'ah. 7461b, 7462. ra'ah. 7462a . to pasture, tend, graze. Transliteration:
ra'ah Phonetic Spelling: (raw-aw') Short Definition: break. ...
/hebrew/7462.htm - 5k

7716. seh -- one of a flock, a sheep (or goat)
... Or sey {say}; probably from sha'ah through the idea of pushing out to graze; a member
of a flock, ie A sheep or goat -- (lesser, small) cattle, ewe, goat, lamb ...
/hebrew/7716.htm - 6k

Shepherd Life in the Orient.
... The oriental climate is such that they can graze nearly the whole year through;
and whether they be grazing on the wide open plains, or huddled snugly within ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/ii shepherd life in the.htm

I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... This wooded Numidia, with its flowing brooks, its fields where the cattle graze,
differs in the highest degree from the Numidia towards Setif"a wide ...
/.../bertrand/saint augustin/i an african free-town subject.htm

Spiritual Farming. --No. 1 Draining.
... Many a field now bearing good crops each year, was in "the good old times" moorland
or fen. Sheep and cattle graze where once only wild birds could live. ...
/.../champness/broken bread/i spiritual farming no 1 draining.htm

Chapter xli
... these cows left nothing to be desired: they were "beautiful" and "fat" "the Hebrew
expressively says "fat of flesh." The "reeds" in which they graze are ach?� ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

Opinions Concerning Providence.
... Urges to toil and prompts the hope of food. He tells where cattle best may graze,
and where. The soil, deep-furrowed, yellow grain will bear. ...
/.../theophilus to autolycus/chapter viii opinions concerning providence.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... termed religion at Compostella, where, perhaps, God and His will are less known
and respected than at Pekin or amid the wildernesses where graze the coursers ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 28.htm

How Miracles of Healing have Been Frequently Wrought in the Place ...
... the manner of horses, as if resting from his weariness, he rolled from side to side,
and then starting up, perfectly recovered, began to graze hungrily on the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ix how miracles of.htm

Psalm 148:3. SM Universal Praise.
... fields around. 9 Ye lions of the wood, And tamer beasts that graze, Ye
live upon his daily food, And he expects your praise. 10 ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 148 3 0 s m universal.htm

Christian Union Symbolized by Natural Objects.
... In fellowship the forests thrive,. And streams from streams their strength derive.
The cattle graze in flocks and herds,. In choirs and concerts sing the birds; ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cliv christian union symbolized.htm

For an Infant School.
... The winds that blow"God sends them all. The beasts that graze with downward eye,.
The birds that perch, and sing, and fly,. The fishes swimming in the sea,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxlii for an infant.htm

Graze (11 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To eat grass; to feed on growing herbage; as, cattle graze on the meadows.
6. (vi) To yield grass for grazing. ...Graze (11 Occurrences). ...
/g/graze.htm - 10k

Feed (117 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To graze; to cause to be cropped by feeding, as herbage by cattle;
as, if grain is too forward in autumn, feed it with sheep. ...
/f/feed.htm - 39k

Pasture (120 Occurrences)
... 5. (vi) To feed on growing grass; to graze. Int. ... Isaiah 5:17 Then the lambs will
graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich. ...
/p/pasture.htm - 33k

Veiled (23 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where
you rest them at noon; For why should I be as one who is veiled beside the ...
/v/veiled.htm - 12k

Graying (1 Occurrence)

/g/graying.htm - 6k

Grazed (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Graze. Multi-Version Concordance
Grazed (3 Occurrences). Genesis 41:2 And, behold, there ...
/g/grazed.htm - 7k

Walk (315 Occurrences)
... a path or avenue prepared for foot passengers, or for taking air and exercise; way;
road; hence, a place or region in which animals may graze; place of ...
/w/walk.htm - 39k

Tracks (6 Occurrences)
... Song of Songs 1:8 If you don't know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks
of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds' tents. ...
/t/tracks.htm - 7k

Rase (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To rub along the surface of; to graze.
2. (vt) To rub or scratch out; to erase. 3. (vt) To level ...
/r/rase.htm - 7k

Rub (1 Occurrence)
... sandpaper. 2. (vt) To move over the surface of (a body) with pressure and friction;
to graze; to chafe; as, the boat rubs the ground. 3 ...
/r/rub.htm - 8k

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