רַעְיוֹן (ra.yon)
ra.yon
thought
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ra‘yon appears five times in the Bible, exclusively within the Aramaic sections of Daniel. It translates to "thought," "plan," or "intention," referring to the internal deliberations of kings and rulers. In these contexts, the word captures the mental process of weighing options before issuing a decree.
Its root connects to the Hebrew ra‘yon (H7475), which carries the sense of striving or exertion. This etymological background suggests that biblical "thought" is not merely passive daydreaming but an active, often strenuous engagement of the mind. The sources highlight how this term underscores the weight of decision-making in a political sphere.
Translators typically render ra‘yon as "thought" or "plan," reflecting its use in describing royal strategy. For instance, Daniel 4:16 and 4:23 use it to describe Nebuchadnezzar’s confusion and subsequent understanding of his dream, while Daniel 6:24 refers to the thoughts of those who conspire against Daniel. The word emphasizes that human plans are subject to divine oversight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you lie awake at night with a heavy mind, wondering what tomorrow holds, this word reminds you that your thoughts are seen. In Daniel 2:29, King Nebuchadnezzar’s anxious thoughts about the future were revealed to God before he even spoke them. This shows that your innermost worries and plans are not hidden from Him. He knows the deliberations of your heart just as clearly as He knew the king’s.
It is comforting to know that human planning, no matter how complex or troubled, falls under divine oversight. The anxiety that troubles Daniel in chapter 7 does not catch God off guard. Instead, it invites you to bring your mental burdens to Him. You do not need to carry the weight of figuring everything out alone.
Your mind is a place where God meets you in your uncertainty. Whether you are facing a difficult decision or simply feeling overwhelmed by the unknown, He offers peace. Rest in the truth that He holds your future and your present thoughts with care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- thought[s]/ your2×
- thoughts/ my1×
- and/ thoughts/ his1×
- and/ [the] thoughts of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַעְיוֹנָ֔/ךְ1×
- רַעְיוֹנָ/ךְ֙1×
- רַעְיוֹנַ֣/י1×
- וְ/רַעיֹנֹ֖/הִי1×
- וְ/רַעְיוֹנֵ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:29
“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what will happen.
This verse highlights God's sovereignty by showing He reveals future thoughts to the king, demonstrating His control over history.
-
Daniel 5:6
Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.
Here the word describes King Belshazzar’s deep distress, illustrating how human plans can collapse when they oppose God.
-
Daniel 7:28
“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face was changed in me; but I kept the matter in my heart.”
Daniel records his own troubled thoughts after seeing the vision, showing that even faithful servants experience mental turmoil before finding clarity in God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ra'yon mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is this word different from other words for mind?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 5 verses
“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made…
Daniel 2:30But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent…
Daniel 5:6Then the king’s face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and…
Daniel 5:10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O…
Daniel 7:28“Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face was changed in me; but…