רָעַץ (ra.ats)
ra.ats
to shatter
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb raats means to break or shatter something with force. It describes a violent physical action where an object is smashed into pieces, leaving it broken and unusable. This word appears in only two verses in the Old Testament, both found in historical narratives involving military conflict.
In Exodus 14:28, the text uses raats to describe how the waters of the Red Sea returned and covered the Egyptian chariots, effectively shattering their strength and power in that moment. Similarly, Judges 9:5 records Abimelech striking down his brothers, the sons of Jerub-Besheth, with a sword, using the same term for breaking or destroying them. The imagery is one of sudden, decisive destruction rather than gradual wear.
Because the word is so rare, its impact in these specific contexts is significant. It emphasizes the complete and forceful nature of the defeat or judgment described. Translators typically render it as "shattered," "smashed," or "broken," capturing the physical reality of the event without adding metaphorical layers not present in the original text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb raats describes a sudden, forceful shattering. It does not refer to slow decay or gradual wear. Instead, it captures a moment of decisive destruction where something is smashed into unusable pieces. This imagery appears in the Old Testament when God’s power intervenes directly in history.
In Exodus 15:6, this word describes how God’s right hand dashes the enemy in pieces. The verse highlights that divine strength can break opposing forces completely and instantly. For believers, this offers comfort that no obstacle is too strong for God to overcome. His power is not limited by human weakness or military might.
When life feels overwhelming, remember that God holds the power to shatter what opposes His purposes. You do not need to fight battles alone. Trust in His ability to bring victory where human strength fails. His right hand remains glorious and active on your behalf.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it shattered1×
- and/ they shattered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּרְעַ֥ץ1×
- וַֽ/יִּרְעֲצ֤וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power. Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces.
This verse uses the word to describe God's right hand actively breaking the enemy, emphasizing divine power in battle.