Lexical Summary revach: Relief, space, respite, enlargement Original Word: רֶוַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enlargement, space From ravach; room, literally (an interval) or figuratively (deliverance) -- enlargement, space. see HEBREW ravach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ravach Definition a space, interval, respite, relief NASB Translation relief (1), space (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רֶ֫וַח noun masculine 1 space, interval Genesis 32:17 (E; בֵּיןוּ֗֗֗בֵין). 2 respite, relief, Esther 4:14. Topical Lexicon Overview The term רֶוַח speaks of a divinely granted “breathing space”—whether literal room between objects or figurative relief from threat. Though it appears only twice in the Old Testament, its uses span the patriarchal wanderings (Genesis) and the Persian exile (Esther), bookending Israel’s account with the assurance that God both makes space for His people and brings salvation when pressure is greatest. Occurrences and Narrative Significance 1. Genesis 32:16 describes Jacob’s careful staging of his livestock gifts for Esau: “He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, ‘Go ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.’” The “distance” (רֶוַח) ensured clarity of approach and reduced the likelihood of conflict. Relief as Spatial Provision (Genesis) In the wilderness setting Jacob’s use of רֶוַח illustrates prudent stewardship. Distance between herds: Spiritually, the verse shows that God’s covenant people are called to plan wisely while trusting Him for ultimate safety. The physical gap mirrors the inner “room” God creates for peace to take root before confrontation (see Psalm 18:19). Relief as Providential Deliverance (Esther) Centuries later the same word surfaces in Persia, now focused on national survival. Mordecai anchors hope not in palace politics but in God’s unwavering covenant faithfulness: if Esther remains silent, רֶוַח will still arise. The term therefore embodies: It foreshadows the broader biblical pattern where salvation history often turns on one obedient servant stepping into the “space” God has opened (Moses before Pharaoh, David before Goliath, Peter before Pentecost). Theological Trajectory רֶוַח bridges concrete space and spiritual salvation, highlighting three truths: 1. God authors both ordinary logistics and extraordinary deliverance. Intercanonical Resonances • Psalm 31:8 celebrates a similar idea—“You have set my feet in a spacious place”—linking security to divine mercy. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Crisis Counseling: Encourage believers that God can carve out unexpected “space” in overwhelming seasons, as He did for Esther’s generation. Selected Biblical References Forms and Transliterations וְרֶ֣וַח ורוח רֶ֣וַח רוח re·waḥ Revach rewaḥ veRevach wə·re·waḥ wərewaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 32:16 HEB: עִבְר֣וּ לְפָנַ֔י וְרֶ֣וַח תָּשִׂ֔ימוּ בֵּ֥ין NAS: me, and put a space between KJV: and put a space betwixt INT: Pass before A space and put between Esther 4:14 2 Occurrences |
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