רָבַץ (ra.vats)
ra.vats
to stretch
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ravats describes an animal stretching itself out to rest, with its legs tucked beneath its body. This specific posture appears in Genesis when Jacob’s flocks lie down at the water trough (Genesis 29:2) and when Judah is compared to a lion resting after feeding (Genesis 49:9). The word captures a sense of settled repose rather than mere sitting.
Its imagery extends beyond simple relaxation. In Genesis 4:7, sin is personified as a beast lying in wait at the door, using the same root to convey a lurking threat. Conversely, Isaiah uses it to depict peace, where predators lie down with prey (Isaiah 11:6) and people rest securely in their homes (Isaiah 14:30). The word thus bridges the tension between dangerous vigilance and tranquil safety.
Translators often render ravats as "lie down," "crouch," or "rest" depending on context. It appears most frequently in Isaiah, where it underscores the stability of God’s reign. The physical image of an animal fully settled provides a concrete picture for spiritual concepts of peace and security.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ra.vats paints a vivid picture of an animal settling deeply into rest, legs tucked beneath its body. This is not just sitting; it is a posture of complete repose. When we see this imagery in Scripture, we are reminded that true peace involves a physical and spiritual unclenching. It suggests a state where one feels secure enough to let go of tension.
Yet the word carries a dual edge. In Genesis, sin is described as crouching at the door, waiting to pounce. This reminds us that rest requires vigilance. We are called to be like Judah, the lion who rests after feeding, strong enough to guard what matters but calm enough to enjoy the peace God provides. It bridges the gap between dangerous alertness and tranquil safety.
In Isaiah, this image shifts entirely toward hope. Predators lie down with prey, and the poor rest securely in their homes. This points to a future where fear is replaced by trust. For your daily life, this word invites you to find that same settled confidence. Whether facing anxiety or celebrating provision, there is a place of rest prepared for you, where you can lie down without fear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they will lie down4×
- they will lie down2×
- lying down2×
- it will lie down2×
- [which] lies2×
- will you make [them] lie down1×
- they will make lie down1×
- they will lie down/ !1×
- they lie down/ !1×
- he makes lie down/ me1×
- he lies down1×
- and/ you will lie down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רָבְצ֖וּ2×
- תַּרְבִּ֣יץ1×
- רֹבֶ֥צֶת1×
- רֹבֶ֣צֶת1×
- רֹבֶ֙צֶת֙1×
- רֹבֵץ֙1×
- רֹבֵ֖ץ1×
- רֹבֵ֑ץ1×
- רֹבְצִ֣ים1×
- רָבַ֧ץ1×
- מַרְבִּצִ֖ים1×
- מַרְבִּ֤יץ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:7
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
This verse personifies sin as a beast crouching at the door, using the word to convey a lurking threat that demands human rule rather than passive submission.
-
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them.
Here the word depicts the radical peace of the Messianic age, where natural enemies like wolves and lambs share a resting place without fear.
-
Genesis 49:9
Judah is a lion’s cub. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he crouched as a lion, as a lioness. Who will rouse him up?
Judah is compared to a lion that has stooped down and crouched, illustrating royal strength combined with the settled confidence of one who has secured its prey.
-
Psalms 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Although translated as 'makes me lie down,' this reflects the shepherd's care that allows the sheep to enter the deep repose described by ra.vats.
-
Isaiah 14:30
The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will lie down in safety; and I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant will be killed.
The needy are promised they will lie down in safety, using the word to emphasize security and freedom from terror in a time of judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ra.vats mean?
Why is sin described as crouching in Genesis 4:7?
How does ra.vats relate to peace in Isaiah?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 5 verses
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you…
Genesis 29:2He looked, and saw a well in the field, and saw three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they…
Genesis 49:9Judah is a lion’s cub. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he crouched as a lion, as a lioness.…
Genesis 49:14“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.
Genesis 49:25even by the God of your father, who will help you, by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above,…