רֵעַ (re.a)
re.a
thought
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun re’a refers to a purpose, aim, or thought. It describes the internal direction of the mind, focusing on what a person intends or plans to do. In the Bible, this word appears only twice, both in the Psalms, where it highlights the deliberate intentions behind human actions.
In Psalm 10:4, the psalmist notes that the wicked do not seek God because their re’a is fixed on their own desires. Here, the word underscores a self-centered focus that blocks spiritual awareness. Similarly, in Psalm 37:23, it describes how the Lord establishes the steps of those whose way pleases Him, implying that God guides the purposeful paths of the righteous.
This term emphasizes intentionality rather than random action. It suggests that human behavior flows from a specific mental or spiritual orientation. The biblical usage shows that whether one’s aim is self-serving or aligned with God, that underlying purpose shapes their life’s direction and divine interaction.
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 points to the internal direction of the mind, focusing on what a person intends or plans to do. It describes the purpose behind our actions rather than random movement. In Psalm 139:2, we see that God perceives these thoughts from afar, knowing our intentions before they fully form into deeds.
This awareness brings comfort because it means our hidden motives are seen and understood by Him. When our steps are established by the Lord, as noted in Psalm 37:23, He guides the purposeful paths of those who seek to please Him. This suggests that God is interested in the why behind our lives, not just the what.
Reflecting on this can help us align our daily aims with His will. It invites us to examine our own intentions and trust that He values honesty about our inner life. May you find peace in knowing that your deepest thoughts are held by a God who cares for your whole person.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thoughts/ your1×
- <to>/ thought[s]/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ1×
- לְ֝/רֵעִ֗/י1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 139:2
You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.
This verse highlights God's intimate knowledge of our internal intentions, showing that He perceives our thoughts from afar.
-
Psalms 139:17
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum!
Here the psalmist reflects on the preciousness of God's own thoughts, inviting us to value divine perspective over our own limited aims.