Lexical Summary raeh: To see, to look at, to inspect, to perceive, to consider Original Word: רָאֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance see From ra'ah; seeing, i.e. Experiencing -- see. see HEBREW ra'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raah Definition seeing NASB Translation conscious (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָאֶה] adjective seeing, assumed by Thes and others to explain construct וּרְאֵה עָנְיִי Job 10:15, but improbable; Masoretes apparently intended Imperative (unsuitable); Ew and others וְרֹאֵה; Di Bu Du (after Lag Gei) רְוֵה עֹ֑נִי drenched (i.e. sated) with affliction. Topical Lexicon Essence and Range of Meaning רָאֶה (Strong’s 7202) carries the idea of seeing in the fullest biblical sense: physical sight, careful inspection, mental perception, spiritual discernment, and prophetic vision. The imperative nuance behind this form turns the verb into a summons—“Look!” or “Behold!”—calling the hearer to observe, consider, and respond. Covenant Contexts: A Call to Attention and Obedience Moses employs the root repeatedly to frame covenant choices. “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse” (Deuteronomy 11:26). The imperative confronts Israel with the reality of divine options and demands a decision. Similar uses appear when the Law, the Land, or the Lord’s faithfulness is set before the nation (Deuteronomy 30:15; Exodus 31:2). The verb thus functions as a rhetorical spotlight, urging God’s people to weigh covenant obligations and act in faith. Prophetic and Revelatory Overtones Prophets often preface oracles with a form of the root so the audience will grasp what mere eyes miss. Samuel instructs Israel, “Now therefore stand and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes” (1 Samuel 12:16). Isaiah’s visions, Jeremiah’s object lessons, and Ezekiel’s symbolic acts consistently press God’s people to move from observation to understanding, underlining that true sight is given by God (Isaiah 6:9–10; Jeremiah 1:11–12; Ezekiel 40:4). Wisdom Literature: Seeing as Discernment In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes the verb shades into prudent evaluation. “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). Wise “seeing” recognizes moral realities that lie below the surface of events, an ability Scripture says begins with the fear of the LORD. Historical Narrative: Witness to God’s Works Historical books use the verb to highlight decisive moments: the salvation at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13), the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:2), David’s deliverances (1 Samuel 24:10), and countless other acts that prove the LORD’s covenant loyalty. The narrative pattern is consistent—God acts, the people are told to “see,” and faith either flowers or falters in response. Liturgical and Devotional Usage The Psalms transform physical sight into worshipful contemplation. “Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind” (Psalm 66:5). The imperative invites corporate praise while reminding worshipers that God’s past deeds guarantee future hope. Messianic Trajectory and Christological Fulfillment The Old Testament imperative to “see” prepares hearts for the ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ. The incarnate Son opens blind eyes physically (Mark 10:51–52) and spiritually (John 9:39). New-covenant vision climaxes in the invitation, “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), echoing the ancient call to behold the works and character of Yahweh. Eschatological Consummation Final redemption brings perfect sight: “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4). The imperative that once commanded attention will give way to uninterrupted, beatific vision—the goal toward which every biblical use of רָאֶה ultimately points. Implications for Contemporary Ministry 1. Preaching: Frame sermons as invitations to “see” God’s character and works, moving hearers from mere information to transformational insight. Summary Though the pointed form רָאֶה itself is not isolated in the Hebrew canon, its root saturates Scripture. Wherever it appears, the verb is more than a report of visual activity; it is God’s gracious summons to perceive His revelation, assess it rightly, and respond in obedient faith—a summons ultimately fulfilled in beholding Christ and awaiting the day when faith becomes sight. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance yê·rā·’eh — 13 Occ.yê·rā·’ū — 5 Occ. yê·re — 5 Occ. yir·’a·nî — 1 Occ. yir·’eh- — 45 Occ. yir·’en·nāh — 3 Occ. yir·’ū — 25 Occ. yir·’ū·hā — 1 Occ. yir·’ūn — 1 Occ. yir·’ū·nî — 2 Occ. bā·rō·’eh — 1 Occ. hā·rō·’eh — 5 Occ. hā·rō·’eh — 1 Occ. kir·’ū·ḇên — 1 Occ. lir·’ū·ḇên — 1 Occ. rə·’ū·ḇên — 69 Occ. ū·rə·’ū·ḇên — 1 Occ. hā·ru·’ū·ḇê·nî — 1 Occ. hā·r·’ū·ḇê·nî — 2 Occ. hā·r·’ū·ḇê·nî — 3 Occ. |
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