רַעְיָה (ra.yah)
ra.yah
darling
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ra‘yah carries the tender meaning of "darling" or "beloved." It appears exclusively in the Song of Solomon, where it describes the deep affection between lovers. This term goes beyond simple attraction; it speaks to a cherished status, someone held dear and precious above all others.
In our spiritual lives, this word reminds us of how deeply valued we are. Just as the lover in the Song addresses his partner with such intimacy, Scripture uses similar language to describe God’s care for His people. It is not about perfection, but about being known and loved exactly as you are.
When you feel overlooked or undervalued, this word offers a quiet comfort. You are seen. You are cherished. The same love that fills the pages of this ancient poem is available to you today, inviting you into a relationship defined by mutual respect and genuine affection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- O friend/ my7×
- friend/ my2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַעְיָתִ/י֙3×
- רַעְיָתִ֥/י2×
- רַעְיָתִ֔/י2×
- רַעְיָתִֽ/י\׃1×
- רַעְיָתִ֖/י1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 1:9
I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.
This verse establishes the intimate tone by comparing the darling to a royal steed, highlighting both beauty and strength in the relationship.
-
Song of Solomon 2:10
My beloved spoke, and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
The beloved uses this term as an invitation to rise up, showing how being cherished empowers and encourages the other person.
-
Song of Solomon 4:7
You are all beautiful, my love. There is no spot in you.
Here the word is paired with a declaration of wholeness, emphasizing that the darling is fully accepted without spot or blemish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ra‘yah mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is ra‘yah different from other words for love?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 1 books)
Song of Solomon 9 verses
I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.
Song of Solomon 1:15Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are like doves.
Song of Solomon 2:2As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.
Song of Solomon 2:10My beloved spoke, and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.
Song of Solomon 2:13The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my…
Song of Solomon 4:1Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are like doves behind your veil. Your hair is…
Song of Solomon 4:7You are all beautiful, my love. There is no spot in you.
Song of Solomon 5:2I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: “Open to me, my sister, my love, my…
Song of Solomon 6:4You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.