Lexical Summary ragea: To rest, to be at peace, to quiet, to settle Original Word: רָגֵעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance PeaceableFrom raga'; restful, i.e. Peaceable -- that are quiet. see HEBREW raga' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raga Definition restful, quiet NASB Translation who are quiet (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רָגֵעַ adjective restful, quiet, Psalm 35:20 וְעַל רִגְעֵיֿ אֶרֶץ דִּבְרֵי מִרְמוֺת יַחְשֹׁבוּן of the peaceful worshippers of ׳י. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope רָגֵעַ (Strong’s 7282) designates those who are peaceable, undisturbing, and innocent in their conduct. It highlights a disposition of inner calm that neither provokes strife nor responds to it in kind. The term describes character rather than circumstance—people marked by settled trust even while surrounded by hostility. Biblical Occurrence Psalm 35:20 records the word’s lone appearance: “For they do not speak peace, but devise deceitful schemes against the quiet ones in the land.” Here “quiet ones” stands in sharp contrast to adversaries whose tongues and plots are restless. The verse situates רָגֵעַ within a legal-covenantal framework: those wronged have kept covenantal peace, yet are targeted by those who despise it. Historical Setting of Psalm 35 Psalm 35 arises from David’s persecution, most naturally during Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 19–26). David’s refusal to retaliate (1 Samuel 24:12) exemplifies רָגֵעַ: he remains peaceable even while hunted. The Psalm’s courtroom language (“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me,” Psalm 35:1) appeals to divine justice on behalf of the quiet who suffer unjustly. Theological Themes 1. Vindication of the Innocent: Scripture consistently portrays God as defender of those wronged without cause (Deuteronomy 32:36; Romans 12:19). Psalm 35 links this divine advocacy to those who embody peace. Connections with Other Scriptural Concepts • Shalom: Isaiah 32:17 portrays righteousness producing “quietness and confidence forever,” showing that tranquility is fruit of right relationship with God. Christological Reflections Jesus fulfills the pattern of the רָגֵעַ. He entered Jerusalem “gentle and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:5), remained silent before unjust judges (Isaiah 53:7; Mark 15:5), and entrusted Himself to the Father “who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Psalm 35’s dynamic thus foreshadows the Messiah, whose vindication came through resurrection rather than retaliation. Pastoral and Ministry Application • Encouragement in Persecution: Believers falsely accused or opposed can rest in God’s justice, praying Psalm 35 without surrendering to bitterness. Summary רָגֵעַ encapsulates the covenantally faithful who maintain peace amid hostility. Though mentioned only once, the concept permeates Scripture, culminating in Christ and finding ongoing expression in the church’s quiet yet potent witness until He returns to “judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). Forms and Transliterations רִגְעֵי־ רגעי־ riḡ‘ê- riḡ·‘ê- rigeiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 35:20 HEB: יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ וְעַ֥ל רִגְעֵי־ אֶ֑רֶץ דִּבְרֵ֥י NAS: against those who are quiet in the land. KJV: matters against [them that are] quiet in the land. INT: speak against who the land words 1 Occurrence |
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