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רַעַל

𐤓𐤏𐤋

raʻal

H7478 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רעל to stagger, to reel, to tremble, to sway

Definition

A state of staggering, tottering, or instability, frequently as a visible effect of intoxication but also extended to trembling, shaking, or wavering due to fear, shock, or illness. The primary lexical meaning is physical reeling or unsteady movement, whether literal or metaphorical, often highlighting a lack of control or composure.

Semantic Range

staggering from intoxication, reeling from strong emotion, trembling with fear or shock, instability or tottering movement

Root / Etymology

From the root רעל (r-ʻ-l), which appears to convey the idea of quivering, swaying, or instability. The derived noun רַעַל signifies the condition or effect (e.g., of intoxication or strong emotion) that produces a reeling or tottering movement.

Historical & Contextual Notes

This term is rare and poetic, occurring in contexts that emphasize a loss of physical or emotional stability. While Strong's gloss focuses on intoxication, the root carries a wider semantic field including quivering or trembling from other causes, such as fear or shock. In contrast with more common terms for fear (such as פחד) or weakness (such as רפה), רַעַל highlights the outward, visible manifestation of instability (like staggering or visibly trembling). Standard English translations often render it as 'reeling' or 'staggering', but may miss associations with trembling or emotional distress. The term is most often encountered in poetic or prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah), where it intensifies imagery of overwhelming experience—whether from wine, terror, or divine action. Its usage is largely consistent throughout biblical texts, without significant shifts across periods.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רָעַל; a reeling (from intoxication); trembling.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רעל (r-ʿ-l) — to stagger, to reel, to tremble, to sway

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4831 מַרְעֲלָה and Maralah
H7477 רָעַל they were caused to stagger
H7479 רַעֲלָה and the fluttering veils
H7480 רְעֵלָיָה Yahweh Has Shaken
H8634 תַּרְאֲלָה and Taralah

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7478-01 רַ֛עַל raal HNcmsa of-staggering reeling state 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7478-01 Zechariah 12:2 רַ֛עַל raal HNcmsa of-staggering reeling state
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