What does the term “meadows” denote?

The meaning of the word for meadows is not certain, with the original being subjected to numerous emendations.¹ The term itself is found only here in the Old Testament. Some have suggested that the word may be a synonym of the word before it (so, NRSV, pastures, meadows for shepherds). Others have suggested the word derives from a root meaning to dig, and thus the derivative here means wells or caves, used as shelters (so, NEB, shepherds’ huts), in which case one would translate, The seacoast will be pastures, with caves for shepherds. Either option points to a habitat of some sort for the shepherds. There is some attraction to the latter option. There is attestation to the practice of making caves or hollows in the ground for protection of animals. Shepherds made use of these caves for such protection, and for sleeping. Caves were away from populated areas. And so in this case the idea being conveyed is that of an area that had been devastated (Isaiah 5:17).² As shepherds would pasture their flocks away from populated areas, the idea conveyed is that of an area which has been devastated (Isaiah 5:17).

In the end, however, we cannot be fully certain of the meaning of the term.