רַ֫עַל (ra.al)
ra.al
reeling
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ra'al describes a physical state of reeling or staggering, as when someone loses their balance due to shock, fear, or injury. It is a vivid term that captures the visible instability of a person who is overwhelmed by an external force.
Its usage in Scripture is remarkably narrow, appearing only once in the Old Testament within Zechariah 12:2. In this context, it depicts Jerusalem as a cup of trembling for all surrounding peoples. The image suggests that those who attack the city will be so shaken by God’s intervention that they will stagger and lose their footing.
This single occurrence highlights how physical reactions can symbolize spiritual or political upheaval. The word does not describe a gradual decline but a sudden, disorienting collapse. Translators typically render it as "reeling" or "staggering," preserving the sense of immediate, uncontrollable motion caused by divine action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reeling describes a sudden loss of balance, like stumbling when shock or fear strikes unexpectedly. In Zechariah 12:2, it paints a vivid picture of enemies who attack Jerusalem only to find themselves disoriented and unable to stand firm. This image reminds us that human plans can collapse instantly under divine intervention.
For your faith, this offers deep comfort. When circumstances feel overwhelming or when you face opposition, remember that stability comes from God alone. What seems solid in the world may suddenly give way, but His purposes remain unshaken. You do not need to force outcomes or fight battles with your own strength.
Instead, rest in the assurance that God sees what is hidden and acts with precision. Even when life feels like it is spinning out of control, you are held by One who never stumbles. This word invites trust rather than anxiety, pointing to a peace that stands firm while the world reels around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reeling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַ֛עַל1×
Key Verses
-
Zechariah 12:2
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and it will also be on Judah in the siege against Jerusalem.
This verse uses reeling to describe how attacking nations will be suddenly disoriented and lose their footing when they confront God's protection of Jerusalem.