Lexical Summary re'eh: To see, look, behold, perceive Original Word: רֵעֶה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance friend From ra'ah; a (male) companion -- friend. see HEBREW ra'ah Brown-Driver-Briggs רֵעֶה noun masculine friend (compare Sta§ 184 LagBN 156 Ba§ 12 a); — construct in technical term רֵעֶה הַמֶּלֶךְ (Ges§ 9311Köii. l. 78 f.) 1 Kings 4:5 ( = רֵעַ 1 Chronicles 27:33), compare רֵעֶה דָּוִד 2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:16; insert also 2 Samuel 15:32 (compare 2 Samuel 15:37) ᵐ5 We Dr and others; in simple sense Proverbs 27:10 Kt (Qr רֵעַ; compare Kö l.c.). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Reʿeh denotes a close, dependable companion whose loyalty is tested and proven. While English translations usually render the term “friend,” the contexts in which it appears show more than casual fellowship; the word signals covenantal commitment, often tied to the welfare of a king or household. Occurrences and Contexts 1. 2 Samuel 15:37 – Hushai, called David’s reʿeh, returns to Jerusalem as a strategic confidant during Absalom’s revolt. Covenant Friendship in the Monarchy Hushai’s loyalty illustrates how true friendship aligns with God’s anointed even at personal risk. By remaining David’s covert ally, he safeguards the Davidic line, integral to redemptive history (2 Samuel 17:14). The narrative teaches that genuine companions stand firm when political tides turn. Royal Court Function In Solomon’s administration the title “friend of the king” (1 Kings 4:5) appears alongside key officials such as the recorder and commander. The placement shows the role’s strategic importance: trusted advisors possessed both relational closeness and institutional authority, shaping policy and protecting covenant faithfulness within government. Wisdom Literature Emphasis Proverbs 27:10 roots friendship in steadfastness rather than convenience. It equates forsaking a loyal companion with violating inherited wisdom. The verse links personal relationships to stability in crisis: “When disaster strikes, do not go to your brother’s house; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away”. Thus, friendship is portrayed as a God-given safety net. Theological Reflections 1. Divine Model: The bond signals God’s own faithfulness; He “never leaves nor forsakes” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Practical Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Cultivate relationships marked by truth-telling and sacrificial support, following Hushai’s example. Christological Foreshadowing The royal “friend” anticipates Jesus Christ, who tells His disciples, “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). Just as Hushai risked his life for David, Christ lays down His life for His friends, providing the ultimate expression of reʿeh and fulfilling the covenantal ideal embedded in the Old Testament narrative. Forms and Transliterations וְרֵ֪עַ ורע רֵעֶ֥ה רעה rê‘eh rê·‘eh reEh veRea wə·rê·a‘ wərêa‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 15:37 HEB: וַיָּבֹ֥א חוּשַׁ֛י רֵעֶ֥ה דָוִ֖ד הָעִ֑יר NAS: David's friend, came KJV: David's friend came INT: came Hushai friend David's the city 2 Samuel 16:16 1 Kings 4:5 Proverbs 27:10 4 Occurrences |
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