Lexical Summary reba: Square, fourth part Original Word: רֶבַע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lying down From raba'; prostration (for sleep) -- lying down. see HEBREW raba' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as raba, q.v. Topical Lexicon Rebaʿ (רֶבַע) – Lying Down, Resting PlaceBiblical Context and Usage The word occurs once, in Psalm 139:3: “You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways”. Here it forms a poetic pair with “path,” spanning both movement and rest. Its solitary appearance intensifies its contribution to the psalm’s portrayal of total divine knowledge. Historical and Cultural Background Evening marked a vulnerable interval in ancient Israel. Families spread cloaks or straw mats on the earthen floor, while shepherds lay among their flocks under open sky. Rebaʿ evokes this nightly scene of dependence—a time when watchmen could sleep, but the LORD remained vigilant (Psalm 121:4). Theological Significance 1. Omniscience: Rebaʿ widens the sweep of God’s gaze from active daylight to passive night, confirming that nothing escapes Him (Hebrews 4:13). Ministerial Applications • Pastoral Comfort: Those with nighttime anxiety can be led to meditate on Psalm 139, anchoring confidence that God searches and secures their rebaʿ. Canonical Echoes Though unique, rebaʿ resonates with: Conclusion Rebaʿ captures the quiet, defenseless moment of lying down and, through that single image, declares the boundless reach of God’s knowledge and care. Every night’s repose is a living reminder that the Shepherd who knows our paths also guards our rest. Forms and Transliterations וְרִבְעִ֣י ורבעי verivI wə·riḇ·‘î wəriḇ‘îLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 139:3 HEB: אָרְחִ֣י וְרִבְעִ֣י זֵרִ֑יתָ וְֽכָל־ KJV: my path and my lying down, and art acquainted INT: my path down scrutinize all 1 Occurrence |
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