### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn, `{{H7475}}`) is derived from the verbal root רָעָה (raʻah, `{{H7462}}`), which primarily signifies "to pasture," "to tend," or "to feed." However, the definition specifies that רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn) draws its sense specifically from רְעוּת (reʻut, `{{H7469}}`), a related noun that denotes "striving," "vexation," or "a chasing after wind." This etymological link is crucial for understanding the nuanced semantic range of רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn).
While the base definition includes "desire," its contextual usage, particularly in the book of Ecclesiastes, strongly emphasizes "vexation," "striving," or a "troubled preoccupation." The "desire" aspect can be understood as the underlying human impulse or mental preoccupation that, when misdirected or unfulfilled, leads to the experience of "vexation" or futility. Thus, רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn) describes a restless mental or emotional state, a deep-seated striving or contemplation that ultimately results in frustration or emptiness. It points to the internal turmoil associated with seeking satisfaction in transient things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn, `{{H7475}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Ecclesiastes, a text renowned for its exploration of life's meaning and the human condition "under the sun." Its limited but significant occurrences illuminate its precise meaning within Qoheleth's philosophical discourse.
1. **[[Ecclesiastes 1:17]]**: "And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind." Here, רַעְיוֹן רוּחַ (raʻyôwn ruach) is translated as "a chasing after wind" or "a striving after wind." Qoheleth, in his pursuit of ultimate knowledge, discovers that even intellectual endeavor, when divorced from divine perspective, leads to a futile and frustrating mental exercise, akin to grasping at the wind. This usage strongly aligns with the "vexation" or "futile striving" aspect of the word.
2. **[[Ecclesiastes 2:22]]**: "For what has a man from all his toil and from the striving of his heart with which he toils under the sun?" In this verse, רַעְיוֹן לִבּוֹ (raʻyôwn libbo), "the striving of his heart," refers to the internal mental and emotional exertion that accompanies human labor and ambition. Qoheleth questions the ultimate benefit of such strenuous effort and mental preoccupation when it culminates in no lasting satisfaction or gain. The phrase underscores the internal weariness and frustration that can arise from worldly pursuits.
In both instances, רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn) describes an internal, mental, or emotional striving that is characterized by futility and a lack of ultimate reward. It is not merely a transient feeling but a deep-seated preoccupation or pursuit that fails to yield true contentment, thus resulting in a profound sense of vexation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn, `{{H7475}}`) is deeply interconnected with several other key terms and concepts within Ecclesiastes and broader biblical thought:
* **רְעוּת (reʻut, `{{H7469}}`)**: This noun is directly cited as the source of the specific sense for רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn). Both terms frequently appear in the phrase "chasing after wind" (רְעוּת רוּחַ / רַעְיוֹן רוּחַ), emphasizing the futility and emptiness of human endeavors apart from God. Reʻut itself describes a striving or vexation that is ultimately pointless.
* **הֶבֶל (hebel, `{{H1892}}`)**: Often translated as "vanity," "breath," or "vapor," hebel is the overarching theme of Ecclesiastes. Raʻyôwn functions as a specific manifestation or experience of this hebel. The striving or vexation described by raʻyôwn is precisely what makes life "vanity" when viewed from an earthly perspective.
* **רוּחַ (ruach, `{{H7307}}`)**: Meaning "spirit," "wind," or "breath," ruach is frequently paired with raʻyôwn (e.g., רַעְיוֹן רוּחַ). The image of "chasing after wind" powerfully conveys the elusive, intangible, and ultimately unsatisfying nature of the pursuits that lead to raʻyôwn.
* **לֵב (lev, `{{H3824}}`)**: "Heart," often signifying the seat of intellect, will, and emotion. The phrase רַעְיוֹן לִבּוֹ (raʻyôwn libbo) highlights that the striving and vexation are deeply internal, originating from the core of one's being.
* **עָמָל (amal, `{{H5999}}`)**: "Toil," "labor," or "trouble." This term often describes the physical and mental exertion of human work. Raʻyôwn can be seen as the internal, emotional consequence or accompaniment of such amal when it is not grounded in divine purpose.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn, `{{H7475}}`) lies at the heart of Qoheleth's message in Ecclesiastes. It serves as a potent descriptor of the human condition when existence is viewed solely "under the sun," without reference to a transcendent God.
1. **The Futility of Worldly Pursuit**: Raʻyôwn underscores the inherent emptiness and frustration that result from seeking ultimate meaning, satisfaction, and wisdom in human accomplishments, material wealth, or intellectual pursuits alone. Even noble endeavors, like the pursuit of wisdom (as in [[Ecclesiastes 1:17]]), can become a source of vexation if they are not rightly oriented towards God.
2. **The Restless Human Heart**: The "desire" aspect of raʻyôwn can be interpreted as the innate human longing for purpose and fulfillment. However, when this desire is directed towards finite, created things, it inevitably leads to a state of raʻyôwn – a troubled, unfulfilled striving. This reflects the Augustinian insight that "our hearts are restless until they rest in You."
3. **The Need for Divine Perspective**: By consistently portraying raʻyôwn as an undesirable outcome, Ecclesiastes implicitly points to the alternative: a life lived in humble submission and obedience to God. The vexation of raʻyôwn is contrasted with the peace and contentment found in fearing God and keeping His commandments, as urged in the book's conclusion ([[Ecclesiastes 12:13]]).
4. **The Reality of a Fallen World**: Raʻyôwn captures a facet of the curse on human labor and striving (cf. [[Genesis 3:17-19]]). Even with effort and ingenuity, life remains marked by struggle and a sense of unfulfillment, a theological reality that the term powerfully conveys.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רַעְיוֹן (raʻyôwn, `{{H7475}}`) denotes a deep mental or emotional striving, a troubled preoccupation, or a vexatious pursuit. Derived from the root רָעָה in the specific sense of רְעוּת (`{{H7469}}`), it encapsulates the futility and frustration inherent in human endeavors when pursued apart from a divine framework. Exclusively found in Ecclesiastes, raʻyôwn is frequently associated with "chasing after wind" (רַעְיוֹן רוּחַ) or the "striving of the heart" (רַעְיוֹן לִבּוֹ), serving as a key term in Qoheleth's exploration of life's vanity (הֶבֶל, `{{H1892}}`). Theologically, raʻyôwn highlights the restless nature of the human heart, its innate desire for meaning, and the inevitable vexation that arises when this desire is sought in transient worldly pursuits rather than in humble reverence for the Creator. It powerfully illustrates the emptiness of "life under the sun" and implicitly points towards the ultimate satisfaction found only in God.
TRV