רָגַע (ra.ga)
ra.ga
to disturb; to rest; to harden
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ra‘a carries a striking duality in Scripture, encompassing both sudden disturbance and deep repose. In its Qal stem, it describes stirring up or agitating, capturing moments of intense activity or unrest. This sense of rapid motion is preserved in the Hiphil form, which specifically denotes making something twinkle or flash, as seen in Job 38:37 where the weathering of ice is described with this vivid imagery.
Conversely, the word often shifts to describe settling down or coming to rest. In the Niphal stem, it appears in poetic texts like Isaiah 2:19 and Jeremiah 51:36, where it depicts the sea calming or a sword being sheathed into its scabbard. This transition from agitation to stillness highlights a comprehensive range of motion, covering everything from the fleeting spark of light to the final quiet of cessation.
One notable usage occurs in Job 7:5, where the word is translated as "harden" regarding skin affected by disease. This unique application suggests that the physical state of hardening is viewed here as a form of rigid stillness or lack of movement, contrasting sharply with its other meanings of fluid motion or peaceful rest.
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‘a captures a striking movement from agitation to stillness. In poetic texts, it describes the sea stirring with power or waves roaring, reflecting moments of intense activity and unrest. Yet this same verb often shifts to depict settling down, such as a sword returning to its scabbard or the night creature finding a place of rest. This duality reminds us that motion and repose are both part of God’s design.
For your faith, this offers comfort in seasons of change. When life feels turbulent, like the stirred sea in Isaiah 51:15, you can trust that the same God who moves the waters also grants rest. Jeremiah 31:2 speaks of Israel finding favor and rest even in the wilderness, showing that peace is not merely the absence of trouble but a gift from Yahweh. In times of hardship, like the no-rest mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:65, we look to the One who ultimately brings quiet to our souls.
This word invites us to see God’s sovereignty over both chaos and calm. Whether you are facing the roaring waves of uncertainty or seeking a place of stillness, His presence anchors you. The journey from disturbance to rest is not something you must achieve alone but a grace received in trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [who] stirs up2×
- I will act in a moment2×
- you will rest1×
- to/ give rest/ it1×
- to give rest to1×
- rest1×
- it will rest1×
- it has hardened1×
- he stirred up1×
- I will make suddenly1×
- I will grant rest1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַרְגִּ֔יעַ1×
- רֹגַ֤ע1×
- רֹגַ֣ע1×
- רָגַ֣ע1×
- רָ֝גַ֗ע1×
- לְ/הַרְגִּיע֖/וֹ1×
- הֵרָגְעִ֖י1×
- הִרְגִּ֣יעָה1×
- הִרְגִּ֣יעַ1×
- אַרְגִּֽיעַ\׃1×
- אַרְגִּ֤עָה1×
- אַרְגִּ֤יעָה1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 31:2
Yahweh says, “The people who survive the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.”
This verse highlights the word's meaning of granting rest or causing to settle, showing God actively providing peace even in difficult circumstances.
-
Isaiah 51:15
For I am Yahweh your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar. Yahweh of Armies is his name.
Here the word describes stirring up the sea, illustrating God’s power over chaotic forces and His ability to move creation with authority.
-
Jeremiah 47:6
“‘You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself back into your scabbard; rest, and be still.’
The command for the sword to be quiet and rest uses the word in its sense of coming to a standstill, emphasizing divine control over conflict.
-
Job 26:12
He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab.
This occurrence shows God stirring up the sea by His understanding, linking physical motion with His wisdom and creative power.