### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7207 (רַאֲוָה, *raʼăvâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the root H7200 (רָאָה, *raʼâh*), meaning "to see, look, perceive, understand." As a derivative, H7207 fundamentally denotes "sight" or "a thing seen." Its semantic range extends beyond mere visual perception to encompass "a spectacle," "an appearance," or something that is "worthy of beholding." The base definition's inclusion of "i.e., satisfaction" suggests that the *sight* in question often carries a connotation of being desirable, remarkable, or even awe-inspiring, thereby eliciting a positive response in the beholder. It is the object of vision, often one that commands attention or evokes a particular emotional or spiritual response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7207 appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, with two notable occurrences that illuminate its nuanced meaning:
1. **Exodus 3:3**: "Then Moses said, 'I will now turn aside and see this great H7207 (רַאֲוָה), why the bush does not burn up.'" [[Exodus 3:3]]
In this foundational passage, Moses is drawn to the phenomenon of the burning bush. The word raʼăvâh here clearly refers to the "sight" or "spectacle" of the bush aflame but not consumed. It is a "great sight" (raʼăvâh gəḏōlâ), indicating its extraordinary and attention-grabbing nature. This sight is not merely observed but compels Moses to "turn aside" and investigate, leading directly to his encounter with God. The "satisfaction" aspect implied in the definition can be understood as the profound wonder and divine revelation that this unique sight elicits, fulfilling a spiritual curiosity and initiating a sacred encounter.
2. **Job 33:21**: "His bones are bare, so that they cannot be H7207 (רַאֲוָה)." [[Job 33:21]]
This verse describes the extreme physical emaciation of a suffering individual. Here, raʼăvâh is used in a negative construction, often translated as "cannot be seen" or "are not visible." While seemingly contradictory to the "satisfaction" aspect, this usage highlights the core meaning of raʼăvâh as "a sight" or "a thing to be seen." The context implies that the bones are so prominent due to the person's wasting away that they are no longer a normal or recognizable "sight." It could imply that they are a repulsive sight, or that the person is so wasted that their bones are not even truly "visible" in the way one perceives a living body, but rather are grotesquely exposed. Thus, it is a "sight" that is either horrifyingly abnormal or effectively absent from normal human perception due to its extreme nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root H7200 (רָאָה, *raʼâh*), from which H7207 is derived. This root signifies the act of "seeing," "perceiving," "discerning," and "experiencing." Other related terms include:
* H4758 (מַרְאֶה, *marʼeh*): "sight, appearance, vision," often referring to a concrete visual phenomenon or an outward aspect.
* H2377 (חָזוֹן, *ḥāzôn*): "vision, revelation," often used for prophetic or divine communications received through sight.
* H5869 (עַיִן, *ʻayin*): "eye," the organ of sight.
The concept of H7207 is intrinsically linked to divine revelation and human perception. It speaks to the power of visual phenomena to convey truth, initiate encounters, or express states of being.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of H7207 underscore its specific and potent theological significance. In [[Exodus 3:3]], the "great sight" (raʼăvâh gəḏōlâ) of the burning bush is God's chosen means of initiating contact with Moses. This is not a casual observation but a divine manifestation designed to capture attention and lead to a deeper encounter. It signifies God's active, visible presence in the world and His initiative in revealing Himself for redemptive purposes. The "sight" serves as a divine summons, drawing humanity into sacred space and a covenant relationship. It highlights the principle that God often uses tangible, perceivable phenomena to communicate His will and presence.
In [[Job 33:21]], while not a direct divine revelation, the use of H7207 to describe human suffering highlights the stark reality of physical decay. The "sight" of extreme emaciation serves as a poignant reminder of human fragility and mortality, a theological theme often explored in wisdom literature. The contrast between the awe-inspiring divine raʼăvâh and the distressing human raʼavah (or lack thereof) underscores the vast chasm between divine glory and human brokenness.
### Summary
H7207 (רַאֲוָה, *raʼăvâh*) is a Hebrew noun derived from the verb "to see," fundamentally meaning "sight" or "a thing seen." While its base definition includes "satisfaction," its usage demonstrates a broader application to any remarkable or noteworthy visual phenomenon. In [[Exodus 3:3]], it describes the "great sight" of the burning bush, a pivotal divine manifestation that commands attention and initiates revelation. In [[Job 33:21]], it refers to the distressing "sight" (or lack thereof) of extreme physical emaciation, emphasizing the severity of human suffering. Though rare, H7207 effectively conveys the impact of a significant visual experience, whether it be a glorious divine encounter or a profound expression of human frailty. Its theological weight lies in its capacity to denote a "sight" that is not merely observed but profoundly significant, drawing the beholder into a deeper understanding of God's presence or the human condition.
TRV