(Aramaic) corresponding to רֵיחַ; {odor (as if blown)}; smell.
Transliteration:rêyach
Pronunciation:ray'-akh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma רֵיחַ (transliterated as *rêyach*, Strong's `{{H7382}}`) corresponds directly to the Hebrew רֵיחַ (Strong's `{{H7381}}`). Its fundamental meaning denotes "odor," "smell," or "scent." The etymological root suggests something "blown" or "diffused," indicating the emanation and perception of an aroma. While its Hebrew counterpart often refers to a "pleasing aroma" in the context of sacrifices, the Aramaic form's singular biblical occurrence presents a unique application of this core meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic רֵיחַ (`{{H7382}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in the book of Daniel:
* [[Daniel 3:27]]: "And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of these men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them."
In this pivotal passage, רֵיחַ describes the absence of the smell of fire on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego after their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace. The lack of any scent of smoke or burning is presented as a conclusive piece of evidence for the supernatural nature of their preservation. It underscores the completeness of God's protection, demonstrating that not even the most subtle trace of the inferno clung to them. This stands in stark contrast to what would naturally occur after exposure to intense heat and smoke, highlighting the divine intervention as utterly comprehensive and without residual effects.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, רֵיחַ (`{{H7381}}`). This Hebrew term is far more prevalent and is frequently used to describe the "pleasing aroma" or "soothing aroma" of sacrifices offered to Yahweh (e.g., [[Genesis 8:21]], [[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Ezekiel 20:41]]). This concept signifies divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering. The underlying verbal root for both `{{H7381}}` and `{{H7382}}` is רוּחַ (`{{H7380}}`), meaning "to breathe," "to smell," or "to perceive by smell." This connection emphasizes the sensory experience of an odor. While `{{H7381}}` often carries a positive, cultic connotation, `{{H7382}}` in Daniel 3:27 focuses on the *absence* of a negative smell, thereby powerfully conveying a supernatural act of preservation and purification.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of רֵיחַ (`{{H7382}}`) in [[Daniel 3:27]] carries profound theological weight. The complete absence of the smell of fire signifies the absolute and perfect nature of God's deliverance. It is not merely that the men survived, but that they emerged without any residual evidence of their ordeal. This miraculous detail underscores:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation:** God demonstrates complete control over the elements, nullifying the natural effects of fire.
2. **Total Preservation:** The miracle was not partial but absolute, leaving no trace of harm or even the *memory* of the fire's effect on their persons. This speaks to God's thoroughness in salvation.
3. **Witness to God's Power:** For King Nebuchadnezzar and his officials, the lack of the smell served as undeniable, sensory proof of the living God's power, prompting the king's declaration of praise for the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
In a broader biblical context, where a "pleasing aroma" often signifies divine acceptance of worship or sacrifice, the *absence* of a negative aroma here signifies God's complete vindication and preservation of His faithful servants, a testament to His protective presence in the midst of tribulation.
### Summary
The Aramaic word רֵיחַ (`{{H7382}}`), meaning "odor" or "smell," appears uniquely in [[Daniel 3:27]]. In this context, its significance lies in the *absence* of the smell of fire on the three faithful men after their miraculous preservation in the fiery furnace. This detail powerfully conveys the completeness and supernatural efficacy of God's intervention, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His perfect preservation of those who trust in Him. While its Hebrew cognate often denotes a "pleasing aroma" to God, `{{H7382}}` in Daniel highlights the meticulous nature of divine deliverance, leaving no trace of the ordeal and serving as undeniable evidence of God's mighty power to all who witnessed it.
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