← H7453 H7455 →

רֵעַ

𐤓𐤏

rêaʻ

H7454 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רעה to associate, to tend, to befriend

Definition

Mental activity or process of thinking; specifically, a thought, idea, concept, or intention. In some contexts, may refer to a plan, design, or purpose as formed in the mind. The word can denote both neutral and negative thoughts, depending on context, but usually emphasizes the content of mental consideration or deliberation.

Semantic Range

thought, idea, intention, mental association, plan, purpose

Root / Etymology

From the root רָעָה (r-'-h), which primarily means 'to associate with, to befriend, or to tend.' The noun רֵעַ in this usage (distinct from רֵעַ meaning 'companion') is likely derived via the sense of association—here, the association of ideas within the mind, i.e., a thought. The precise morphological path is debated, but the conceptual link is association, whether of people or of ideas/thoughts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

רֵעַ (rêaʻ) in the sense of 'thought' is a relatively rare noun, attested in poetic and wisdom literature (e.g., Psalms, Proverbs). It is distinct from the more common רֵעַ ('companion, friend'), although spelled identically. The overlap in root meaning centers on 'association,' whether between people (companionship) or among ideas (thoughts). This sense is used primarily for mental plans, ideas, or intentions rather than routine cognition. English translations often render the term as 'thought,' 'purpose,' or 'idea,' but standard versions may obscure the semantic tie to association. Not to be confused with other terms for 'thought' such as מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashavah, 'plan, device') which emphasizes planning or design rather than mere association or conception of ideas. The semantic range may relate more to intentions underlying actions in poetry and wisdom contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רָעָה; a thought (as association of ideas); thought.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

רעה (r-ʿ-h) — associate, befriend, tend

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4829 מִרְעֶה in a grazing-place
H4830 מִרְעִית as their pasturage
H7200 רָאָה shepherds of
H7453 רֵעַ with his associate
H7462 רָעָה in his shepherding

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7454-02 רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ reeykha HNcmpc/Sp2ms your thoughts your thoughts 1
H7454-01 לְ֝/רֵעִ֗/י lerei HR/Ncmsc/Sp1cs my thought to my intention 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7454-01 Psalms 139:2 לְ֝/רֵעִ֗/י lerei HR/Ncmsc/Sp1cs my thought to my intention
H7454-02 Psalms 139:17 רֵעֶ֣י/ךָ reeykha HNcmpc/Sp2ms your thoughts your thoughts
← H7453 Hebrew Lexicon H7455 →