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רָז (raz)

raz

mystery

H7328 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 7 verses

A:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
7 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
A:N-M

Definition

Definition

secret

Brown-Driver-Briggs

רָז n.m. secret

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

secret

What This Word Means for Your Faith

In a world where answers often feel hidden or out of reach, this Hebrew word reminds us that God holds knowledge we cannot access on our own. It appears exclusively in Daniel to describe divine mysteries—truths about the future and God’s plan that human wisdom alone could never uncover.

When Daniel faces impossible demands from King Nebuchadnezzar, he does not rely on his own intellect but prays for revelation. The text shows that while human experts fail, God remains willing to share His purposes with those who seek Him in humility.

This assurance brings comfort today. We do not need to have every answer about life’s uncertainties because the same God who revealed ancient dreams continues to guide His people. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to rest even when the path ahead is unclear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • secret/ the5×
  • secrets2×
  • <the>/ secrets1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • רָזָ֥/ה1×
  • רָזָ֥/א1×
  • רָזָ֣/ה1×
  • רָזָ֖/ה1×
  • רָזָ/ה֙1×
  • רָזַיָּ֛/א1×
  • רָזִ֔ין1×
  • רָזִ֑ין1×

Key Verses

  • Daniel 2:19
    Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

    This verse marks the turning point where the hidden truth moves from unknown to revealed, showing God's initiative in disclosure.

  • 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:

    Here the word identifies God specifically as the source who makes future events known, contrasting divine power with human limitation.

  • Daniel 2:30
    But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

    Daniel uses this term to emphasize that his ability to interpret comes solely from God, not from personal wisdom or status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word raz mean?

It translates to 'mystery' or 'secret.' In the Old Testament, it specifically refers to divine truths that God reveals to His servants, particularly concerning future events or His sovereign plans, which remain hidden from human understanding without His intervention.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It occurs seven times, all within Daniel chapter 2. The context is King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, which none of his wise men could interpret until God revealed it to Daniel through a vision.

How is this different from human secrets?

Human secrets are hidden information that people keep from others. This word describes divine mysteries—truths that are inherently beyond human reach and can only be known because God chooses to disclose them to His people.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 1 books)