רָאֶה (ra.eh)
ra.eh
to see
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rāʾeh functions as an adjective meaning "seeing." It appears only once in the entire Bible, located in Job 10:15. In this specific context, it describes a state of being able to see, though the surrounding verses express Job’s fear that his sight will lead to further condemnation rather than relief.
While the common verb for seeing is rāʾah, this form serves as a descriptive label. It highlights the physical or spiritual capacity to perceive. The brevity of its usage means it does not carry extended theological weight across Scripture, but it anchors Job’s complaint in the tangible reality of his sensory experience.
Translators typically render this term simply as "seeing" or "if I see." Its singular occurrence underscores the isolation of Job’s situation. He feels exposed and watched, with no escape from the gaze he describes. The word captures a moment of vulnerability where perception itself becomes a source of dread.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rāʾeh appears just once in Scripture, within the raw honesty of Job’s lament. It translates simply to "seeing," yet here it carries a heavy emotional weight. Job is not describing a moment of clarity or divine revelation; he is describing the painful awareness of his own condition. He feels that even if he could see clearly, the result would only be more shame and fear rather than relief.
This rare usage reminds us that perception is not always a gift. Sometimes, seeing our situation clearly brings dread instead of hope. Job’s struggle shows that faith does not shield us from feeling exposed or overwhelmed by our circumstances. It is okay to admit when the reality of your life feels too heavy to bear alone.
God invites you to bring these honest feelings to Him. You do not need to hide your fear or pretend everything is fine. In moments where clarity brings pain, remember that God’s presence remains steady even when your vision is clouded by sorrow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ see1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/רְאֵ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Job 10:15
If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, I still will not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction.
This single occurrence captures Job's fear that clear perception of his own state will only deepen his sense of disgrace rather than bring comfort.