רִנָּה (rin.nah)
rin.nah
cry
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun rinah describes a ringing, high-pitched cry that rises above ordinary speech. It is not a quiet murmur but a sound meant to be heard, whether it expresses deep distress or exuberant celebration. The word captures the intensity of the human voice when emotions run high, serving as an audible sign of what is happening in the heart.
In Scripture, this term carries two distinct tones. It appears in pleas for help, such as David’s urgent cry to God in Psalm 17:1, where the voice seeks divine attention in trouble. Conversely, it marks moments of triumph and joy, as when Israel sings with gladness after deliverance in Psalm 42:5 or when the redeemed return with songs in Isaiah 35:10. The same word bridges the gap between suffering and salvation.
Its root relates to a shrill or creaking sound, emphasizing volume and clarity over melody. Translators often render it as "cry," "joy," or "singing" depending on the context, yet the underlying image remains consistent: a powerful vocal expression that breaks through silence. This duality reminds readers that both lament and praise are legitimate ways to bring one’s deepest feelings before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a voice that breaks through silence, whether it is a shout of relief or a plea for help. It reminds us that God hears the full range of human emotion. You do not need to soften your feelings before Him. Whether you are celebrating a breakthrough or waiting in a difficult season, your honest expression reaches His ears.
In Psalm 106:44, we see that when Israel cried out in distress, God heard and acted. This shows that your voice matters to Him. He is not distant from your pain, nor is He indifferent to your joy. Bringing your true self to prayer allows you to experience His presence more deeply.
Let this truth encourage you today. You can bring your loud joys and your quiet tears to the same God. He invites you to speak freely, knowing that He listens with care and responds with grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a shout of joy9×
- with/ a shout of joy8×
- the/ cry of entreaty2×
- cry of entreaty/ their2×
- cry of entreaty/ my2×
- a cry of entreaty2×
- the/ cry1×
- shout of joy/ their1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִנָּתָֽ/ם\׃2×
- רִנָּֽה\׃2×
- רִנָּ֔ה2×
- הָ/רִנָּה֙2×
- בְּ/רִנָּֽה\׃2×
- בְּ/רִנָּ֔ה2×
- רִנָּתָ֔/ם1×
- רִנָּתִ֣/י1×
- רִנָּתִ֗/י1×
- רִנָּ֬ה1×
- רִנָּ֥ה1×
- רִנָּ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 106:44
Nevertheless he regarded their distress, when he heard their cry.
This verse shows God responding directly to the cry of distress, highlighting His attentiveness to those in trouble.
-
Psalms 126:5
Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.
Here the word connects the act of sowing with tears to the future harvest of joy, linking lament with hope.
-
Isaiah 35:10
Then Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
The redeemed return with this specific type of singing, marking it as a sign of lasting salvation and comfort.
-
Psalms 17:1
A Prayer by David. Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips.
David uses this term to ask for God’s attention to his righteous plea, showing its use in urgent prayer.