רָגֵעַ (ra.ge.a)
ra.ge.a
restful
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective raqa means restful or quiet. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 35:20. Here it describes the deceptive peace maintained by enemies who speak falsely against David. The word captures a state of calm that is not genuine but rather a calculated stillness used to hide hostility.
Its root likely relates to rest or settling down. In this single occurrence, the contrast is striking. The psalmist notes how these adversaries keep their silence and appear peaceful while plotting harm. This usage highlights how quietness can sometimes mask danger rather than signal safety. Translators often render it as "quiet" or "peaceable," though the context reveals a deceptive calm.
The rarity of this word makes its appearance in Psalm 35 particularly significant. It shows that biblical language distinguishes between true peace and a false stillness. The text warns against trusting outward appearances of harmony when inner motives are hostile. This distinction remains relevant for understanding interpersonal dynamics in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word raqa appears only once in Scripture, in Psalm 35:20. It describes a deceptive calm maintained by enemies who speak falsely against David. This quietness was not genuine peace but a calculated stillness used to hide hostility. The text warns us that outward harmony can sometimes mask inner danger.
In our own lives, we may encounter people who appear peaceful while plotting harm. This rare word reminds us to look beyond surface appearances. True safety comes from trusting God’s justice rather than relying on the false peace of those who seek our downfall. We are invited to rest in His protection when faced with such deceit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] quiet [people] of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִגְעֵי\־1×
Key Verses
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Psalms 35:20
For they don’t speak peace, but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
This verse uses raqa to describe the deceptive stillness of David’s enemies, highlighting how false peace can mask hostile intentions.