Bible Dictionary
Roe, Roebuck
“Roe” or “roebuck” refers to a species of gazelle or antelope. It was valued as food and was celebrated in Scripture for its beauty, loveliness, and fleetness.
Definition
“Roe” or “roebuck” denotes a species of antelope, probably the gazelle of Syria and Arabia. It was a permitted food animal, noted for fleetness and celebrated for its loveliness.
Biblical Usage
Scripture associates the gazelle with swift feet, hunting, and beauty. It appears in comparisons concerning loveliness and graceful movement and is included among animals allowed as food.
Historical Background
The animal is identified as probably the Gazella arabica of Syria and Arabia.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The Hebrew words thus translated denote some species of antelope, probably the Gazella arabica of Syria and Arabia. The gazelle was allowed as food, (12:15,22) etc.; it is mentioned as very fleet of foot, (2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8) it was hunted, (Isaiah 13:14; Proverbs 6:5) it was celebrated for its loveliness. (Song of Solomon 2:9,17; 8:14)