רָנָה (ra.nah)

ra.nah

to rattle

H7439 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:V

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:V

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb ranah describes the sharp, rattling sound of a chariot in motion. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 39:23, where it vividly captures the noise made by war horses and their vehicles as they charge into battle.

Lexicographers often classify this word as onomatopoeic, meaning its form mimics the sound it represents. This rare usage provides a striking auditory detail in Job’s discourse about the wild horse, emphasizing the power and chaos of the animal’s readiness for combat.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word ranah captures a sharp, rattling noise, specifically the sound of chariots and war horses charging into battle. In Job 39:23, this vivid auditory detail highlights the raw power and chaotic energy of wild animals ready for combat. It reminds us that God’s creation includes forces of immense strength and untamed nature.

While we do not face physical battles in the same way, this imagery speaks to the intensity of spiritual readiness. The Bible often uses war metaphors to describe our inner struggles and our standing against evil. Understanding this word helps us appreciate the depth of Scripture’s language regarding courage and vigilance.

God is sovereign over both the gentle lamb and the charging horse. We can trust that He orders all things, including the powerful forces we may encounter in life. Let this truth bring you peace, knowing that no force is beyond His control or purpose.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

it rattles1×

Forms in the text

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

תִּרְנֶ֣ה1×

Key Verses

Job 39:23
The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and the javelin.

This verse uses the word to describe the rattling sound of weapons and horses, emphasizing the intensity of battle readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ranah mean?

Ranah is a rare Hebrew verb that means 'to rattle' or 'to make a sharp noise.' It is used onomatopoeically, meaning its sound mimics the noise it describes. The word appears only once in the Old Testament.

Where does ranah appear in the Bible?

It appears exclusively in Job 39:23. In this context, it describes the rattling sound of quivers and weapons as war horses charge into battle. This single occurrence provides a vivid sensory detail about the power of creation.

Why is ranah significant for understanding Job?

Its use in Job highlights God’s description of the wild horse’s readiness for combat. The sharp, rattling sound underscores the chaos and intensity of nature when it is unleashed. This helps readers grasp the magnitude of God’s power over all living things.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Job 1 verse

Job 39:23

The quiver rattles against him, the flashing spear and the javelin.