רֵעַ (re.a)
re.a
neighbor
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 151 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun re‘a means a fellow person, encompassing friends, companions, and neighbors. It describes someone with whom one shares a relationship, ranging from an intimate confidant to a general community member. The word appears frequently in Proverbs and Jeremiah, where it often denotes the people surrounding an individual in daily life.
Its meaning shifts based on context. In legal texts like Exodus 20:17, re‘a refers to a neighbor whose property must not be stolen, establishing a boundary for social conduct. In narrative passages such as Genesis 38:12, it can mean a friend or companion, highlighting personal connection. The term is broad enough to cover anyone in one’s social circle.
Translators usually render re‘a as "neighbor" or "friend," depending on the relationship described. This flexibility reflects the Hebrew view of community, where social ties are fluid and context-dependent. The word emphasizes relational proximity rather than a fixed category, showing how ancient Israelites understood their connections to others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word re‘a captures the full breadth of human connection, from the intimate bond of a close friend to the general proximity of someone living nearby. In ancient Israel, community was not defined by rigid boundaries but by relational ties that shifted with context. This flexibility invites us to view our own circles with similar openness, recognizing that every person we encounter holds potential significance in God’s design.
Scripture uses this term to establish clear ethical boundaries, such as the command against coveting what belongs to a neighbor or giving false testimony. These laws protect the dignity and property of others, reminding us that our actions directly impact those around us. By honoring these relational limits, we create spaces where trust can flourish and justice is upheld.
Ultimately, re‘a points to a shared humanity that transcends mere geography. It challenges us to move beyond indifference and engage with others in ways that reflect God’s care. Whether in moments of conflict or quiet companionship, this word calls us to recognize the inherent value in every individual we meet.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 151 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- neighbor/ his53×
- neighbor/ your13×
- to/ neighbor/ his11×
- friend/ his6×
- to/ neighbor/ your5×
- companion/ his5×
- friend/ your4×
- <to>/ neighbor/ his4×
- on/ neighbor/ his3×
- from/ friend/ his3×
- to/ friend/ his2×
- neighbors/ their2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵעֵ֑/הוּ16×
- רֵעֵ֔/הוּ11×
- רֵעֵ֖/הוּ9×
- רֵעֵֽ/הוּ\׃8×
- רֵעֵ֗/הוּ8×
- רֵעֶ֑/ךָ6×
- רֵעֵ֙/הוּ֙6×
- לְ/רֵעֵ֑/הוּ5×
- לְ/רֵעֵ֔/הוּ4×
- רֵעֶֽ/ךָ\׃3×
- רֵעֵ֥/הוּ3×
- בְּ/רֵעֵ֑/הוּ3×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
This verse establishes a clear boundary for social conduct by prohibiting the desire for what belongs to another, highlighting the word's role in protecting personal dignity and property.
-
Leviticus 19:18
“‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.
Here the term is central to the command to love others as oneself, linking ethical behavior directly to a positive affirmation of relational worth rather than just avoiding harm.
-
Genesis 38:20
Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but he didn’t find her.
This narrative usage shows the word applied to a trusted companion, illustrating how re‘a extends beyond legal obligations to include personal loyalty and friendship.
-
Exodus 33:11
Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn’t depart from the Tent.
The text describes Yahweh speaking to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend, using the term to depict an intimate, direct, and unmediated relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does re‘a mean in the Hebrew Bible?
How is re‘a different from ach (brother)?
Why is re‘a important in the Ten Commandments?
Does re‘a always mean a physical neighbor?
Every Occurrence (151 verses across 28 books)
Genesis 7 verses
They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they used…
Genesis 11:7Come, let’s go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”
Genesis 15:10He brought him all these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn’t divide…
Genesis 31:49and Mizpah, for he said, “Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.
Genesis 38:12After many days, Shua’s daughter, the wife of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheep shearers to…
Genesis 38:20Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the woman’s hand, but…
Genesis 43:33They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men…