רְאִית

sight

Definition

The Hebrew noun רְאִית (rᵉʼîyth) refers to the act or faculty of seeing, specifically the act of beholding or looking upon something. It denotes a visual observation or the experience of sight. While it appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning is drawn directly from its common verbal root, emphasizing the action of seeing. In its sole biblical occurrence, it carries the sense of a deliberate, attentive gaze.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Proverbs 23:31: 'Do not look on the wine when it is red...' (אַל־תֵּרֶא יַיִן כִּי יִתְאַדָּם). Here, רְאִית is in the phrase 'al-tēre' yayin, meaning 'do not look upon wine.' It is used in a wisdom context to warn against the seductive visual allure of wine, highlighting a conscious act of observation that can lead to temptation. Its usage is poetic and instructional, found solely in the wisdom literature.

Etymology

רְאִית is a noun derived from the primary Hebrew root רָאָה (rāʼâ, H7200), meaning 'to see,' 'to perceive,' or 'to behold.' This root is one of the fundamental verbs for sight and perception in Biblical Hebrew, generating many related words. The noun form רְאִית specifically denotes the abstract concept or instance of seeing, focusing on the act itself.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, this word is theologically significant as it connects human perception to moral choice. In Proverbs 23:31, 'sight' or 'beholding' is not a neutral act but the first step toward potential sin (drunkenness). It underscores a biblical theme: what we choose to focus our eyes and attention on has spiritual consequences. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of this proverb by emphasizing the intentionality and danger inherent in a seemingly passive act.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, sight was closely linked to understanding and experience. A command to not 'look upon' something, especially in wisdom literature, was a warning against engaging with or dwelling on an object of temptation. The specific reference to red wine likely points to its appealing, intoxicating quality, which was a known cultural symbol of both blessing and potential ruin.

מַרְאֶה (mar'eh, H4758) — a vision or appearance, often of a supernatural or impressive sight. רְאִי (rᵉʼî, H7203) — a looking-glass or mirror. מַחֲזֶה (maḥăzeh, H4236) — a vision or spectacle, often prophetic.

Word Details