רְאָיָה (re.a.yah)
re.a.yah
Reaiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Reaiah, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to see," carries the sense that "Yahweh has seen." It appears in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles and Ezra as a marker of identity for several distinct individuals across different tribes and eras. Although it is not a common personal name, its recurrence helps trace the lineage of families during the periods of the Divided Monarchy and the post-exilic restoration.
The sources identify three primary bearers of this name. One was a Reubenite, son of Micah and father of Baal, listed in the tribal records of 1 Chronicles 5:5. Another was a descendant of Shobal from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:52 as the father of Jahath. A third individual with this name appears in Ezra 2:47 as the head of a family of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
The variation between Reaiah and Reaia reflects minor orthographic differences common in Hebrew transliteration, but the core meaning remains consistent. By linking these figures to specific tribal lines and historical moments, the name underscores the continuity of God’s people through generations of displacement and return.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Reaiah carries a quiet promise: "Yahweh has seen." In the ancient world, being seen by God was not just about visibility; it was about recognition and care. When genealogies list names like this, they remind us that every person in God's family is known personally by Him.
Whether appearing in the tribal records of Judah or among those who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem, these individuals were part of a long line of faithfulness. Their stories show that God keeps track of His people through generations, even when history seems chaotic or uncertain.
This word encourages us that we are not overlooked. Just as Reaiah and his family were recorded for posterity, our lives matter to God. He sees our efforts, our struggles, and our place in His unfolding story, offering a sense of belonging that transcends time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Reaiah3×
- and/ Reaiah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְאָיָ֥ה2×
- רְאָיָֽה\׃1×
- וּ/רְאָיָ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:5
Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son,
This verse places Reaiah in the lineage of Reuben, showing how God preserves tribal identity even during times of displacement.
-
Ezra 2:47
the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
Here, Reaiah's family is listed among those returning from exile, highlighting their role in restoring the community after Babylon.
-
Nehemiah 7:50
the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
The repetition of this name in Nehemiah confirms the continuity of these families as they re-established themselves in Jerusalem.