רְתֵת (re.tet)
re.tet
trembling
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun retet describes a state of trembling or shaking. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Hosea 13:1. In this specific context, the word captures the physical reaction of fear and instability that accompanies Ephraim’s rebellion against God.
Its meaning is straightforward, referring to the involuntary quaking of a person or nation under threat. The prophet uses it to illustrate how Israel’s political alliances failed to provide security, leaving them in a state of tremulous vulnerability before divine judgment.
This rare usage highlights the tangible consequences of turning away from God. The word serves as a vivid image of the fragility that results when trust is placed in human power rather than divine protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word retet, meaning trembling, appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Hosea 13:1. The prophet uses it to describe the physical shaking of Ephraim when he boasted about his strength. This image captures the instability that comes from trusting in human power rather than God's protection.
When we rely on our own abilities or worldly security, we often feel a deep sense of unease. True peace is found not in our own strength, but in resting in God’s faithful care. This rare word reminds us that stability comes only from Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- trembling1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְתֵ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Hosea 13:1
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. He exalted himself in Israel, but when he became guilty through Baal, he died.
This verse uses retet to describe the physical shaking of Ephraim when he boasted in his own strength, illustrating the instability that results from trusting in human power rather than God.