Meadow

Meadow in the Old Testament translates two distinct Hebrew words. In Genesis 41:2, 18 the word achu — likely borrowed from Egyptian — refers to the reedy marshland of the Nile Delta where Pharaoh's cows grazed in his dream, indicating a lush, water-fed pasturage. In Judges 20:33 the "meadow of Gibeah" (Hebrew maareh) refers to a plain or open area used in the ambush of Gibeah by the Israelite tribes. The imagery of green meadows and lush pasture also functions symbolically in Scripture: Psalm 23's "green pastures" use related language to depict God's provision and rest for his people.