Roe

(Heb. tsebi), properly the gazelle (Arab. ghazal), permitted for food (Deut. 14:5; comp. Deut. 12:15, 22; 15:22; 1 Kings 4:23), noted for its swiftness and beauty and grace of form (2 Sam. 2:18; 1 Chr. 12:8; Cant. 2:9; 7:3; 8:14). The gazelle (Gazella dorcas) is found in great numbers in Palestine. “Among the gray hills of Galilee it is still ‘the roe upon the mountains of Bether,’ and I have seen a little troop of gazelles feeding on the Mount of Olives close to Jerusalem itself” (Tristram). The Hebrew word (‘ayyalah) in Prov. 5: 19 thus rendered (R.V., “doe”), is properly the “wild she-goat,” the mountain goat, the ibex. (See 1 Sam. 24:2; Ps. 104:18; Job 39:1.)

ROE, ROE'BUCK (beauty), an animal especially fleet of foot, 2 Sam 2:18; 1 Chr 12:8, and elegant in form. Roe, or Gazelle. (Gazella Dorcas. After Wood.) Song 2:9, 2 Sam 21:17; Am 8:14. The gazelle (Gazella dorcas) satisfies these and all other requirements, and is still very abundant in Palestine and adjacent regions. The Jews might use the roe as food, Deut 12:15, Josh 11:22; it was hunted, Isa 13:14:" it is amiable, affectionate, and loving, by universal testimony," Prov 5:19; and it has ever been admired for its beauty, which is the meaning of its Hebrew name. "Tabitha" or "Dorcas" means "a gazelle." Acts 9:36. RO'GELj (a fuller) occurs in the margin to 1 Kgs 1:9 instead of "Enrogel."

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A roebuck. See Roebuck.

2. The female of any species of deer.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The ova or spawn of fishes and amphibians, especially when still inclosed in the ovarian membranes. Sometimes applied, loosely, to the sperm and the testes of the male.

2. A mottled appearance of light and shade in wood, especially in mahogany.