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רַעְיוֹן (ra.yon)

ra.yon

striving

H7475 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun ra‘yôn describes a state of intense striving or eager longing. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Ecclesiastes. In these contexts, it captures the restless energy of human effort, particularly when that effort is directed toward goals that ultimately prove fleeting or unfulfilling.

Its meaning aligns closely with the concept of eager desire, but with a specific focus on the exertion involved in pursuing something. The word highlights the active, often anxious, pursuit of an object or outcome. This usage underscores the biblical theme that human striving, when detached from divine purpose, can lead to exhaustion rather than satisfaction.

Translators typically render ra‘yôn as "striving" or "longing," reflecting its dual sense of desire and effort. The rarity of the word emphasizes its specific application in Ecclesiastes, where it serves to illustrate the vanity of chasing after worldly ambitions. By limiting its occurrence to this wisdom literature, the text invites reflection on the nature of human ambition and the limits of earthly pursuit.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word ra‘yon describes an intense, often restless striving. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within Ecclesiastes. This rarity highlights its specific meaning: eager longing mixed with active exertion. When we pursue goals without grounding them in divine purpose, this striving can lead to exhaustion rather than satisfaction.

In Ecclesiastes 2:22, the text asks what remains of our labor and the striving of our heart. It reminds us that earthly ambitions often feel fleeting. Yet this reflection is not meant to discourage effort but to redirect it. We are invited to seek lasting meaning in God rather than chasing after wind.

May your efforts today be anchored in faith, bringing peace rather than anxiety. Trust that God sees your labor and values your sincere seeking. Rest in His provision, knowing that true fulfillment comes from Him alone.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ in/ [the] striving of1×
  • and/ a striving of1×
  • [is] a striving of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • רַעְי֥וֹן1×
  • וּ/בְ/רַעְי֖וֹן1×
  • וְ/רַעְי֥וֹן1×

Key Verses

  • Ecclesiastes 2:22
    For what does a man have of all his labor and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

    This verse directly questions the lasting value of human labor and the striving of the heart, highlighting the word's focus on the exertion behind earthly pursuits.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:17
    I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

    Although the word ra‘yon does not appear here, this verse sets the context for the 'chasing after wind' theme that frames the use of striving in Ecclesiastes.

  • Ecclesiastes 4:16
    There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

    This occurrence reinforces the vanity of popular acclaim and political power, showing how public striving ultimately fails to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ra‘yon mean in the Bible?

Ra‘yon is a Hebrew noun meaning intense striving or eager longing. It combines desire with active effort, often describing restless pursuit of goals that may prove fleeting.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears only three times, all in Ecclesiastes: chapters 1, 2, and 4. These occurrences illustrate the vanity of human ambition when detached from God.

How is ra‘yon different from simple desire?

While desire can be passive, ra‘yon implies active exertion and anxiety. It captures the energy spent pursuing something that may not bring lasting satisfaction.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Ecclesiastes 3 verses
Ecclesiastes 1:17

I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:22

For what does a man have of all his labor and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 4:16

There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in…