### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rêaʻ**, represented by `{{H7454}}`, is defined as **a thought (as association of ideas); thought**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. Its specific usage provides a focused look at the nature of God's thoughts toward individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both occurrences of `{{H7454}}` are found in Psalm 139, where the psalmist contemplates God's omniscience. First, the word is used to express God's intimate understanding, as the psalmist declares, "thou understandest my **thought** afar off" [[Psalm 139:2]]. Later, the focus shifts from God's perception to the quality of His thoughts, with the exclamation, "How precious also are thy **thoughts** unto me, O God!" [[Psalm 139:17]]. This shows a progression from God's ability to know a thought to the immense value He places on those thoughts.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the context of these verses illuminate the meaning of `{{H7454}}`:
* `{{H995}}` **bîyn** (understand): This root word means to separate mentally or distinguish. It is used directly with **rêaʻ** to show that God does not just perceive but fully **understandest** the psalmist's thought [[Psalm 139:2]].
* `{{H3365}}` **yâqar** (be precious): This term, meaning to be valuable or prized, describes the quality of God's thoughts. The psalmist sees God's **thoughts** as **precious** [[Psalm 139:17]].
* `{{H6105}}` **ʻâtsam** (be great): Meaning to be powerful or numerous, this word quantifies God's thoughts. The sum of them is declared to be **great**, indicating their vast number [[Psalm 139:17]].
* `{{H7350}}` **râchôwq** (afar off): This word signifies something remote in place or time. It highlights the limitlessness of God's knowledge, as He understands a thought even from **afar off** [[Psalm 139:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7454}}` is centered on the personal nature of God's omniscience.
* **Intimate Knowledge:** The word demonstrates that God's awareness is not distant or abstract. He **understandest** the inner **thought** of a person, regardless of distance [[Psalm 139:2]].
* **The Value of Divine Thought:** God's thoughts toward humanity are not merely observational but are described as **precious** `{{H3365}}`. This implies a deep, caring, and valuable perspective from the Creator [[Psalm 139:17]].
* **The Immensity of God's Attention:** The "sum" `{{H7218}}` of God's thoughts is "great" `{{H6105}}`, revealing that God's focus on an individual is not fleeting but constant, abundant, and innumerable [[Psalm 139:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7454}}` provides a profound and specific insight into God's character. While appearing only twice, **rêaʻ** moves beyond a simple definition of "thought" to describe the active, personal, and valuable way God thinks about His people. It reveals a God who not only perceives our innermost thoughts from any distance but whose own thoughts toward us are precious and immeasurably vast.
TRV