רָעַן (ra.an)
ra.an
be fresh; luxuriant
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb rāʿan describes the state of being fresh, green, or luxuriant, typically applied to vegetation that is thriving and full of life. It appears fifteen times in the Hebrew Bible, with notable occurrences in Jeremiah, II Kings, and Song of Solomon. The word captures a visual sense of vitality, evoking images of plants that are well-watered and robust, standing in contrast to withered or dry growth.
While primarily used as a verb meaning to grow fresh, it also functions as an adjective describing lush foliage. This imagery is often employed metaphorically to illustrate spiritual health or divine blessing. For instance, Jeremiah uses the concept to describe people who have abandoned their source of living water, becoming like dry shrubs in the desert, whereas those who trust in God are likened to trees planted by streams that remain green and fruitful even during droughts.
The related Aramaic form rāʿanan reinforces this sense of enduring vitality. The term’s emphasis on physical freshness makes it a powerful natural metaphor for spiritual resilience. It suggests that true life is not static but involves continuous growth and renewal, rooted in a steady supply of nourishment that prevents decay.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rāʿan paints a picture of life that is deeply rooted and constantly refreshed. When Scripture describes something as 'green' or 'fresh,' it is not speaking about a temporary burst of energy, but about a steady connection to the source of life. This imagery reminds us that spiritual vitality does not come from our own efforts alone, but from remaining connected to God’s provision.
In Jeremiah 17:8, this concept is beautifully illustrated by comparing those who trust in God to a tree planted by water. Such a tree does not struggle to survive when the heat rises; its leaves stay green because its roots are always reaching for the river. This offers a gentle encouragement for your own life: when you feel dry or weary, remember that true resilience comes from staying close to the source of living water.
May you find peace in knowing that God desires to nourish your spirit just as He nourishes the earth. Let this image remind you that you are never far from His sustaining grace, and that even in difficult seasons, new growth is possible when you rest in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- luxuriant13×
- it will grow luxuriant1×
- [is] luxuriant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַעֲנָֽן\׃5×
- רַעֲנָ֔ן2×
- רַֽעֲנָ֑ן2×
- רַעֲנָנָֽה\׃1×
- רַעֲנָן\׃1×
- רַעֲנָֽנָה\׃1×
- רַעֲנָ֖ן1×
- רַעֲנָ֑ן1×
- רַֽעֲנָן֙1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 17:8
For he will be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes, but its leaf will be green, and will not be concerned in the year of drought. It won’t cease from yielding fruit.
This verse uses the word to describe the enduring vitality of a believer who remains connected to God's provision, contrasting with those who rely on their own strength.
-
Jeremiah 2:20
“For long ago I broke off your yoke, and burst your bonds. You said, ‘I will not serve;’ for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed yourself, playing the prostitute.
Here the term highlights the futility of idolatry, showing how turning away from God leaves one spiritually dry despite seeking life in false sources.
-
Song of Solomon 1:16
Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant; and our couch is verdant.
The word describes the verdant setting of the lovers' intimacy, using natural freshness to symbolize beauty and divine blessing in human relationships.
-
Psalms 37:35
I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading himself like a green tree in its native soil.
The psalmist observes the wicked spreading out like a green tree, illustrating how temporary prosperity can appear lush even when it lacks eternal roots.