7454. rea

Lexicon

rea: Friend, companion, neighbor, fellow

Original Word: רֵעַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: rea`
Pronunciation: reh-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ray'-ah)
Definition: Friend, companion, neighbor, fellow
Meaning: a thought

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

thought

From ra'ah; a thought (as association of ideas) -- thought.

see HEBREW ra'ah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
purpose, aim
NASB Translation
thought (1), thoughts (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

III. [רֵעַ] noun [masculine] purpose, aim; — suffix רֵעִי Psalm 139:2 (of man), plural suffix רֵעֶיךָ Psalm 139:17 (of El).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root רָעָה (ra'ah), which means "to associate with" or "to befriend."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G4139: πλησίον (plesion) • Often translated as "neighbor," this Greek term captures the relational aspect of רֵעַ, emphasizing proximity and social duty.
• G5384: φίλος (philos) • Translated as "friend," this term reflects the personal and affectionate dimensions of רֵעַ, focusing on the bonds of friendship and mutual care.

In summary, רֵעַ is a significant term in the Hebrew Bible, encapsulating the essence of human relationships, whether in friendship, community, or ethical responsibility. Its usage across various biblical genres highlights the integral role of social bonds in the life of faith and community.

Usage: The word רֵעַ is used throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe various forms of relationships, ranging from close friendships to general associations with neighbors or fellow community members. It often emphasizes the social and moral obligations inherent in these relationships.

Context: רֵעַ appears in numerous contexts within the Hebrew Scriptures, illustrating the multifaceted nature of human relationships. In the wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, רֵעַ is often used to highlight the importance of choosing friends wisely and the impact of companionship on one's moral and spiritual life. For example, Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This underscores the loyalty and support expected in true friendships.

In the legal and ethical texts, רֵעַ is frequently mentioned in the context of social justice and community ethics. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." Here, רֵעַ is synonymous with "neighbor," emphasizing the broader social responsibility individuals have towards one another.

The prophetic writings also utilize רֵעַ to critique societal failings, as seen in Micah 7:5, "Do not trust in a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend." This reflects the breakdown of trust and integrity within the community, highlighting the prophetic call for repentance and restoration of righteous relationships.

Forms and Transliterations

לְ֝רֵעִ֗י לרעי רֵעֶ֣יךָ רעיך lə·rê·‘î lərê‘î lereI rê‘eḵā rê·‘e·ḵā reEicha

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 139:2
HEB: וְקוּמִ֑י בַּ֥נְתָּה לְ֝רֵעִ֗י מֵרָחֽוֹק׃
NAS: up; You understand my thought from afar.
KJV: thou understandest my thought afar off.
INT: rise understand my thought afar

Psalm 139:17
HEB: מַה־ יָּקְר֣וּ רֵעֶ֣יךָ אֵ֑ל מֶ֥ה
NAS: precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
KJV: How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
INT: How precious are your thoughts God How

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 7454
2 Occurrences

lə·rê·‘î — 1 Occ.
rê·‘e·ḵā — 1 Occ.