### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7210 (רֳאִי - rŏʼîy) is a noun derived from the verb `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה - ra'ah), meaning "to see, look, perceive." At its core, rŏʼîy signifies "sight" in a broad sense. This includes both the abstract concept of vision or the act of seeing, and the concrete reality of something that is seen, an appearance, or a spectacle. Depending on context, it can refer to a pleasing visual aspect, a state of being visible, or even the divine attribute of knowing and perceiving. Its semantic range extends from simple observation to profound theological declarations about God's omnipresent gaze.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7210 occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in only three distinct passages, each with significant contextual nuance:
* **[[Genesis 16:13]]**: This is arguably the most theologically profound occurrence. After encountering the angel of the LORD in the wilderness, Hagar declares, "You are the God who sees me" (אַתָּה אֵל רֳאִי - 'attah 'El Rŏʼîy). This naming of God as "El Roi," or "The God of Seeing," encapsulates Hagar's realization that despite her distress and abandonment, God was fully aware of her plight. It speaks to God's compassionate omniscience and His active engagement with the individual in their suffering.
* **[[1 Samuel 16:12]]**: Here, rŏʼîy is used to describe David's physical appearance when Samuel is sent to anoint him. The text states that David was "ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was goodly to look to" (וְטוֹב רֹאִי - wəṭōv rŏʼîy). In this context, rŏʼîy refers to his pleasing visual aspect or comely appearance, highlighting a human perception of beauty that contrasts with God's emphasis on the heart ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
* **[[Job 33:21]]**: Elihu describes Job's emaciated state during his suffering, stating, "His bones are wasted away, that they cannot be seen" (וְעַצְמֹתָיו שֻׁפְּצוּ רֹאִי - wə'aṣmōṯāyw šuppəṣū rŏʼîy). Here, rŏʼîy denotes the state of being visible or recognizable. The phrase implies that Job's bones are so severely wasted that they are "beyond recognition" or "from sight," underscoring the extreme deterioration of his physical condition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for H7210 is its root verb, `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה - ra'ah), which means "to see, look, observe, perceive, understand." This foundational verb informs the noun's meaning, indicating that rŏʼîy is the *result* or *object* of the act of seeing.
Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of sight or appearance include:
* `{{H4758}}` (מַרְאֶה - mar'eh): "sight, appearance, vision." This term often refers to the outward form or aspect of something, or to a divine vision or manifestation. While similar in range, mar'eh often emphasizes the *form* presented to the eye, whereas rŏʼîy can be more about the *act* of seeing or the *state* of being seen.
* `{{H2377}}` (חָזוֹן - chazon): "vision, revelation." This term is typically reserved for prophetic visions or divine communication received through sight.
Conceptually, rŏʼîy engages with themes of divine omniscience, divine presence, human perception, physical appearance, and the impact of suffering on the visible body.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7210 is primarily anchored in its use in [[Genesis 16:13]], where Hagar names God "El Roi" (אֵל רֳאִי). This naming is a profound theological statement about the character of God. It reveals Him as a deity who is not distant or unaware but intimately involved and personally attentive to the plight of individuals, even those marginalized or suffering. God's "seeing" is not merely passive observation; it implies active knowledge, compassion, and intervention. For Hagar, it was a source of comfort and assurance, establishing a paradigm for understanding God as one who deeply cares and is present in human distress. This concept resonates throughout biblical theology, affirming that no one is hidden from God's gaze and that His seeing is linked to His redemptive purposes.
While the uses in [[1 Samuel 16:12]] and [[Job 33:21]] describe human perception and physical appearance, they indirectly contribute to the broader theological landscape. David's "goodly to look to" appearance contrasts with God's assessment of the heart, highlighting the divine standard of judgment. Job's emaciated state, "wasted away beyond recognition," underscores the visible reality of human suffering, which is fully known and seen by God. Thus, even in these less directly theological contexts, rŏʼîy points to the significance of what is perceived, both by humans and, more importantly, by the all-seeing God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7210 (רֳאִי - rŏʼîy), derived from the verb `{{H7200}}` (רָאָה - ra'ah), denotes "sight," encompassing both the abstract act of seeing and the concrete object or phenomenon that is seen. Its rare yet potent occurrences in the Hebrew Bible underscore significant theological and descriptive points. Most notably, in [[Genesis 16:13]], it forms the divine name "El Roi," "The God Who Sees Me," a powerful testament to God's compassionate omniscience and personal attentiveness to human suffering. In [[1 Samuel 16:12]], it describes David's pleasing physical appearance, while in [[Job 33:21]], it conveys the severe physical deterioration of Job's body. Though limited in usage, rŏʼîy profoundly conveys the importance of perception, particularly emphasizing God's all-seeing nature and His intimate knowledge of His creation.
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