רְעוּ (re.ut)
re.ut
pleasure
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun reut signifies good pleasure or will, functioning as a direct cognate of the Hebrew root re’uth (H7469). In the biblical text, it appears exclusively in the book of Ezra, where it describes the favorable disposition of rulers toward the Jewish people. The term conveys more than simple preference; it indicates a deliberate and benevolent intent to support or permit an action.
This word captures the specific moment when foreign kings choose to assist rather than hinder. In Ezra 7:28, Ezra credits God for placing this "good pleasure" in the heart of King Artaxerxes, enabling the return of exiles and the restoration of worship. Similarly, Ezra 8:18 notes that God’s hand was upon the king, resulting in this same favorable will toward the travelers. The term highlights how divine influence can shape political decisions.
Its presence in only two verses underscores its role as a theological marker rather than a common descriptor. It points to the sovereignty of God over earthly powers, showing that even pagan monarchs may act out of a sense of favor when moved by higher purposes. The word remains a concise reminder that historical events often hinge on such shifts in royal attitude.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is comforting to know that God’s purposes are not limited by human politics or personal influence. The word reut reminds us that even the decisions of distant rulers can be shaped by divine favor. When King Artaxerxes granted resources for the temple, it was not merely a political calculation but an act of goodwill moved by God’s hand.
This perspective invites trust in difficult seasons. We do not need to force outcomes or rely solely on our own strength. Instead, we can rest in the belief that God orchestrates circumstances, opening doors that no human effort could unlock. His sovereignty extends over every heart and every decree.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] will of1×
- according to/ [the] will of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּ/רְע֥וּת1×
- וּ/רְע֥וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it is so that a decree was made by Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.”
This verse shows the term used in a formal request to verify royal support, highlighting how divine favor operates through official channels.
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Ezra 7:18
Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
Here the phrase connects human generosity with the will of God, showing that wise stewardship aligns with heavenly pleasure.