(Aramaic) corresponding to רַעְיוֹן; a grasp. i.e. (figuratively) mental conception; cogitation, thought.
Transliteration:raʻyôwn
Pronunciation:rah-yone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term raʻyôwn (`{{H7476}}`) is derived from a root that conveys the idea of "grasping" or "shepherding," akin to the Hebrew raʻah (`{{H7462}}`). Figuratively, this translates to a "mental grasp" or "conception." Its semantic range encompasses "thought," "cogitation," "reflection," "purpose," and "plan." It signifies an active process of the mind formulating, considering, or being preoccupied with something. This word is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew raʻyôn (`{{H7454}}`), and both terms often carry a nuance of deep, sometimes unsettling, mental preoccupation or striving.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term raʻyôwn (`{{H7476}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, specifically within its Aramaic sections. Its usage consistently points to significant mental activity related to divine revelation, prophetic visions, or the future.
* **[[Daniel 2:29-30]]**: Here, Daniel explains that King Nebuchadnezzar's raʻyôwn (thoughts or plans) on his bed concerned "what should come to pass hereafter." This indicates a future-oriented, strategic form of thinking. Daniel attributes the revelation of these hidden thoughts to God, emphasizing divine omniscience over human cogitations.
* **[[Daniel 4:19]]**: Daniel himself is described as being "troubled by his raʻyôwn" (thoughts) after hearing Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This illustrates that raʻyôwn can denote internal distress, perplexity, or deep concern arising from mental processing of profound information.
* **[[Daniel 5:6]]** and **[[Daniel 5:10]]**: Belshazzar's raʻyôwn (thoughts) are said to trouble him greatly, causing him physical distress, after the mysterious handwriting appears on the wall. The queen later highlights Daniel's ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems (Daniel 5:12), implying his unique capacity to discern such profound raʻyôwn.
* **[[Daniel 7:15]]**: Daniel recounts, "My spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me" (raʻyôwn). In this context, raʻyôwn refers to the disturbing mental images or concepts derived from his own prophetic visions, highlighting the overwhelming nature of divine revelation.
In all these occurrences, raʻyôwn signifies a deep, often disturbing or profound, mental engagement, far beyond a fleeting thought, usually in response to divine or supernatural phenomena.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew raʻyôn (`{{H7454}}`)**: This is the direct Hebrew cognate, primarily found in Ecclesiastes. While also meaning "thought" or "desire," in Ecclesiastes it often carries a sense of futility, vexation, or "striving after wind" ([[Ecclesiastes 1:14]], [[Ecclesiastes 2:11]], [[Ecclesiastes 4:16]]). While the Aramaic raʻyôwn in Daniel often relates to divine revelation, the Hebrew raʻyôn in Ecclesiastes frequently emphasizes the limitations and frustrations of human intellectual striving apart from God.
* **Hebrew machashabah (`{{H4284}}`)**: This broader term denotes "thought," "plan," "device," or "purpose." It can refer to both righteous and wicked intentions.
* **Hebrew lev (`{{H3824}}`)** / **levav (`{{H3820}}`)**: "Heart," often understood as the seat of intellect, will, and emotion. raʻyôwn originates from or impacts the lev.
* **Greek dianoia (`{{G1271}}`)**: "Understanding," "mind," "thought." This Greek term captures a similar scope of mental activity as raʻyôwn.
* **Greek logismos (`{{G3053}}`)**: "Reasoning," "calculation," "thought." Can refer to both positive and negative thoughts or deliberations.
The core concept of "grasping" inherent in raʻyôwn distinguishes it as a mental "holding" or "processing" of ideas, often with significant existential or prophetic implications.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of raʻyôwn in Daniel profoundly underscores the sovereignty of God over human thought and destiny. Nebuchadnezzar's "thoughts" about the future are not merely human speculation but are part of God's predetermined plan, which He graciously reveals through His prophet Daniel ([[Daniel 2:28-30]]). This highlights divine omniscience and absolute control over the unfolding of history.
Furthermore, raʻyôwn illuminates the human response to divine revelation and the supernatural. The "thoughts" of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, and Daniel himself are frequently characterized by distress, fear, or deep perplexity when confronted with God's power, judgment, or prophetic visions. This illustrates the overwhelming nature of divine truth and the human struggle to comprehend and respond to it.
In Daniel, raʻyôwn is not merely an intellectual exercise but often carries significant moral and spiritual weight. The king's thoughts lead to his actions and ultimately to divine judgment or deliverance, while Daniel's thoughts are integral to his prophetic experience. The ability to interpret and discern raʻyôwn (dreams, visions) is presented as a unique divine gift, setting Daniel apart and demonstrating God's special relationship with His faithful servants. It points to God as the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding, who alone can truly grasp and reveal the deep things of the mind and the future.
### Summary
The Aramaic term raʻyôwn (`{{H7476}}`) signifies a deep "mental conception," "cogitation," or "thought," deriving from a root implying "to grasp." Its occurrences are exclusive to the Aramaic portions of Daniel, where it consistently denotes profound and often troubling mental activity related to dreams, prophetic visions, and the unfolding of future events. Whether describing a king's preoccupation with destiny ([[Daniel 2:29]]) or a prophet's distress from supernatural encounters ([[Daniel 4:19]], [[Daniel 5:6]], [[Daniel 7:15]]), raʻyôwn points to a significant internal mental process. Theologically, raʻyôwn emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over human intellect and history, as He alone can reveal and interpret the deepest thoughts and plans. It also portrays the human experience of awe, fear, or perplexity when confronted with divine truth. This word thus illuminates the profound interplay between human mental processes and the overarching, sovereign plan of God.
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