Lexical Summary rea: thought, thoughts Original Word: רֵעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thought From ra'ah; a thought (as association of ideas) -- thought. see HEBREW ra'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition purpose, aim NASB Translation thought (1), thoughts (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs III. [רֵעַ] noun [masculine] purpose, aim; — suffix רֵעִי Psalm 139:2 (of man), plural suffix רֵעֶיךָ Psalm 139:17 (of El). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Hebrew 7454 designates the inner movements of the mind—plans, intentions, reflections. In Psalm 139 its two appearances frame both human and divine thought, revealing how fully the Lord penetrates the interior life and how abundantly He directs His own purposes toward His people. Scriptural Occurrences Psalm 139:2 records that God “understand[s] my thoughts from afar.” The psalmist marvels that the Creator distinguishes every rising impulse long before it flowers into speech or action. In Psalm 139:17 the same term describes the Lord’s innumerable thoughts toward the psalmist: “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum!” The pairing of human and divine thought in a single psalm underscores both complete divine knowledge and covenantal care. Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty That God comprehends each inner deliberation speaks to His absolute omniscience (1 Chronicles 28:9; Hebrews 4:13). Nothing hidden within the psyche escapes His notice; motives, doubts, and unspoken desires are all laid bare. This knowledge is never detached or cold. Verse 17 shows that God’s own thoughts toward His child are innumerable, precious, and affectionate, confirming His benevolent sovereignty (Jeremiah 29:11). Human Thought Life in Biblical Anthropology Scripture treats the mind as the spiritual command center, shaping character and directing conduct (Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 15:19). The psalmist’s admission that God already understands every mental motion promotes humility and repentance, disarming the illusion that inward sins are private. It also elevates integrity, calling believers to invite God to “search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23). God’s Thoughts Toward His People The shift from God knowing the psalmist’s thoughts (verse 2) to the psalmist treasuring God’s thoughts (verse 17) conveys a mutuality characteristic of covenant life. Divine intentions are both numerous and beneficial (Psalm 40:5). They encompass providential ordering of events (Romans 8:28), redemptive planning in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5), and the promise of final glory (Philippians 1:6). Intertextual Connections • Genesis 6:5 contrasts wicked human thoughts with God’s grieving heart, dramatizing the need for redemption. Historical and Cultural Insights In ancient Near Eastern context, deities were often thought limited to geographic domains. Psalm 139 subverts such notions by presenting a God who transcends spatial boundaries (“from afar”) and even penetrates the unseen corridors of the mind. The psalm thereby strengthens Israel’s confession of an all-knowing, everywhere-present Lord. Ministry Application Pastoral care draws on Psalm 139 to comfort believers battling isolation, intrusive thoughts, or secret sin. God’s awareness means He is never distant; His cherished thoughts toward His children assure them of unwavering love. Counseling that exposes harmful thought patterns to the light of divine scrutiny fosters transformation (Romans 12:2). Devotional Reflection Meditation on Strong’s 7454 leads the worshiper to: 1. Confess hidden motives before the One who already knows them. Conclusion Hebrew 7454 in Psalm 139 unites the frailty of human contemplation with the majesty of divine design. The Lord not only comprehends every inward stirring but also lavishes His people with countless purposeful thoughts, securing their hearts in reverent awe and confident hope. Forms and Transliterations לְ֝רֵעִ֗י לרעי רֵעֶ֣יךָ רעיך lə·rê·‘î lərê‘î lereI rê‘eḵā rê·‘e·ḵā reEichaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 139:2 HEB: וְקוּמִ֑י בַּ֥נְתָּה לְ֝רֵעִ֗י מֵרָחֽוֹק׃ NAS: up; You understand my thought from afar. KJV: thou understandest my thought afar off. INT: rise understand my thought afar Psalm 139:17 2 Occurrences |
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