רֵאשׁ (resh)
resh
head
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word re’sh, appearing ten times in the Old Testament, primarily denotes the physical head or the leading part of a person or thing. Its usage is concentrated in the books of Daniel and Ezra, where it often appears in contexts describing human anatomy or leadership structures. The sources indicate that beyond its literal sense, it can refer to the head as the seat of visions or understanding, highlighting its role as the center of perception.
While less common than other words for "head," re’sh carries a distinct nuance when used metaphorically. In some instances, it signifies a chief or leader, emphasizing authority and rank rather than just physical position. It can also denote the sum or essential content of something, suggesting completeness or totality. This range allows translators to render it variously as "head," "chief," or "sum," depending on whether the context emphasizes hierarchy, anatomy, or aggregate value.
Its limited occurrence makes each instance significant, particularly in Daniel where it relates to visionary experiences. The word’s connection to the seat of thought underscores the ancient understanding of the head as the locus of identity and cognition. Translators must carefully consider whether the text points to a physical entity, a person in authority, or an abstract totality to capture the full weight of the original author's intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word re’sh points to the physical head, but also to leadership, authority, and even the sum of a matter. In Daniel, it appears in visions where God reveals what will happen in the future. These dreams show that human power is temporary, while God’s kingdom endures forever. When we read about heads of gold or beasts with many heads, we are reminded that all authority comes from Him.
This word helps us see how God uses human leaders and structures to fulfill His purposes. It also reminds us that our own minds and choices matter deeply to Him. In times of uncertainty, we can trust that God sees the whole picture—even when we only see fragments. The visions in Daniel encourage believers to remain faithful, knowing that God is sovereign over history.
Whether you are facing personal decisions or watching world events unfold, re’sh invites you to look beyond surface appearances. It calls for wisdom, humility, and hope in the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- head/ his2×
- heads1×
- head/ your1×
- head/ their1×
- head/ the1×
- head/ my1×
- head/ its1×
- [were] on/ head/ its1×
- [the] head of1×
- [are] at/ heads/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵאשֵׁ/הּ֙2×
- רֵאשָׁ֛/ךְ1×
- רֵאשָׁ֖/ה1×
- רֵאשֵׁ֖/הּ1×
- רֵאשִׁין֙1×
- רֵאשִׁ֖/י1×
- רֵֽאשְׁ/הוֹן֙1×
- רֵ֥אשׁ1×
- בְ/רָאשֵׁי/הֹֽם\׃\ \ס1×
- בְ/רֵאשַׁ֔/הּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:28
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head on your bed are these:
This verse introduces divine revelation through dreams, showing that God alone reveals future events to human leaders.
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Daniel 2:38
Wherever the children of men dwell, he has given the animals of the field and the birds of the sky into your hand, and has made you rule over them all. You are the head of gold.
Here Nebuchadnezzar is called the 'head of gold,' symbolizing his supreme earthly authority under God’s sovereignty.
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Daniel 7:15
“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
Daniel’s troubled spirit reflects how visions from God can deeply affect those who receive them, even when they are faithful servants.
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Daniel 7:6
“After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The animal also had four heads; and dominion was given to it.
The beast with four heads illustrates the rise and division of empires, each head representing a distinct phase of power.
-
Ezra 5:10
We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at their head.
This reference to men 'at their head' shows how re’sh can denote leadership in practical, historical contexts outside of prophecy.