רָגֵעַ
restful, i.e. peaceable
Definition
The Hebrew noun רָגֵעַ (râgêaʻ) describes a state of being restful, peaceful, or quiet. It specifically characterizes a person who is tranquil, settled, and not engaged in strife or conflict. Its sole biblical occurrence in Psalm 35:20 uses it to describe 'those who are quiet in the land,' portraying individuals living in peace, in contrast to the psalmist's deceitful enemies who plot against him. The word carries a sense of social and relational calmness, implying a lack of agitation or disturbance.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 35:20. It appears in a lament psalm where David contrasts himself with false accusers. The term describes innocent, peaceable people within the community—'those who are quiet in the land'—who are being slandered by the psalmist's adversaries. Its usage highlights a contrast between peaceful citizens and those who stir up trouble through deceit and malicious speech.
Etymology
רָגֵעַ is derived from the root verb רָגַע (rāgaʻ, H7280), which means 'to be at rest,' 'to be quiet,' or 'to soothe.' This root conveys the idea of ceasing from motion or agitation. The noun form רָגֵעַ thus denotes a person characterized by this quality of restfulness and peace. Cognates in other Semitic languages also relate to concepts of calm and tranquility.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word contributes to the biblical theme of shalom (comprehensive peace and well-being). It describes the ideal of a peaceful community member, one who lives in harmony with others. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Psalm 35 by sharpening the contrast between the righteous, who seek quietness (רָגֵעַ), and the wicked, who devise deceit. It connects to the virtue of being peaceable, a quality commended elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 17:1, 1 Timothy 2:2).
In ancient Israelite society, being 'quiet in the land' likely implied a person who was law-abiding, socially integrated, and not involved in rebellions or disputes that threatened communal stability. Such individuals were seen as ideal citizens, contributing to the social shalom of the community. This contrasts with agitators or slanderers who could disrupt the peace and harmony of the collective.
שָׁלוֹם (shālôm, H7965) — denotes comprehensive peace, wholeness, and well-being, broader than just quietness. שָׁקַט (shāqat, H8252) — a verb meaning to be quiet, at rest, or undisturbed, often describing a cessation of conflict or noise. נָח (nāch, H5117) — a verb meaning to rest, settle down, or descend, often used for physical resting.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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