from רָעַל and יָהּ; made to tremble (i.e. fearful) of Jah; Reelajah, an Israelite; Reeliah.
Transliteration:Rᵉʻêlâyâh
Pronunciation:reh-ay-law-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Rᵉʻêlâyâh (רְעֵלָיָה, `{{H7480}}`) is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine element. Its etymology is derived from two components: the verb רָעַל (ra'al) and the divine name element יָהּ (Yah), a shortened form of Yahweh. The root רָעַל (ra'al) primarily conveys the sense of "to tremble," "to reel," or "to totter." This can imply physical instability, but more significantly, it often suggests a state of fear, awe, or agitation. When combined with יָהּ (Yah), the name Rᵉʻêlâyâh is typically understood to mean "made to tremble of Jah," or more interpretively, "fearful of Jah." This "fear" is not necessarily a servile terror, but rather a profound reverence and awe in the presence of the Almighty God, Yahweh. It denotes a deep respect and humility that God's presence or power can inspire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Rᵉʻêlâyâh (רְעֵלָיָה, `{{H7480}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
1. **[[Ezra 2:2]]**: "These are the ones who came up with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:" Here, Rᵉʻêlâyâh is listed among the prominent leaders or heads of families who initiated the return to Judah.
2. **[[Nehemiah 7:7]]**: "These are the ones who came up with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:" In this parallel passage, the name appears as Raamiah (רַעַמְיָה, `{{H7481}}`). Scholars widely consider Raamiah in Nehemiah 7:7 to be a textual variant or scribal error for Rᵉʻêlâyâh, given the near identical lists and the similarity in pronunciation. The Septuagint and other ancient versions often treat them as equivalent.
The context for both occurrences is a critical moment in Israelite history: the post-exilic return and the rebuilding of the nation. The individuals listed in these genealogies were foundational figures in the restoration of the community, the temple, and the covenant life in Judah. For Rᵉʻêlâyâh to be included among these leaders suggests a person of some standing and importance in that pivotal period. The name itself, "trembling of Yah," might reflect the humility, awe, or even the challenging and fear-inducing circumstances faced by those returning from exile to re-establish a nation under God's watchful eye.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root רָעַל (ra'al), from which Rᵉʻêlâyâh's name is derived.
* **`{{H7477}}` (ra'al):** The verb form, meaning "to reel," "to tremble," "to totter." It is used, for instance, to describe the staggering of drunkards ([[Psalm 107:27]]) or the trembling of the earth ([[Joel 2:10]]).
* **`{{H7478}}` (ra'al):** A noun, meaning "trembling" or "reeling."
* **`{{H7479}}` (ra'alah):** A noun, referring to a "veil" or "trembling ornament," perhaps a fluttering head-covering or a quivering piece of jewelry, though its connection to the "trembling" sense is debated.
The second crucial element is the theophoric suffix יָהּ (Yah), which is a common abbreviation for Yahweh, the personal name of God. This element appears in numerous biblical names, such as Isaiah (Yesha'yahu - "Yahweh is salvation"), Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu - "Yahweh will uplift"), and Elijah (Eliyahu - "My God is Yahweh"). The presence of יָהּ in Rᵉʻêlâyâh signifies a direct relationship or dedication of the individual to God.
The concept of "fear of the Lord" (יראת יהוה, yirat Yahweh) is central to understanding the name's theological nuance. This is not a slavish dread, but a reverential awe that leads to wisdom ([[Proverbs 9:10]]), obedience ([[Deuteronomy 6:24]]), and a hatred of evil ([[Proverbs 8:13]]). It is a profound recognition of God's holiness, power, and justice, which inspires humility and devotion in His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Rᵉʻêlâyâh, meaning "trembling of Yah" or "fearful of Jah," carries significant theological weight. It serves as a personal testament to the "fear of the Lord," a foundational principle in biblical wisdom literature and prophetic teaching. For an individual to bear such a name suggests a life or character marked by this profound reverence for God.
In the context of the post-exilic return, the name takes on added resonance. The exiles had experienced God's judgment through the destruction of Jerusalem and the seventy years in Babylon. Their return was a testament to God's mercy and faithfulness. Those who returned, including Rᵉʻêlâyâh, would have done so with a renewed sense of awe for God's power – both His capacity for righteous judgment and His sovereign ability to restore. Their "trembling" would have been born of a deep understanding of God's holiness and His covenant demands, leading them to commit to rebuilding a community centered on Him.
The name thus functions as a theological statement:
1. **God's Sovereignty:** Yahweh is the One who inspires trembling, whether through His majestic presence, His just judgments, or His awe-inspiring acts of redemption.
2. **Human Response:** The appropriate human response to such a God is reverential fear, humility, and submission. This is a fear that purifies and motivates, rather than paralyzes.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness:** Bearing a name like Rᵉʻêlâyâh could signify a commitment to live in accordance with God's will, recognizing His ultimate authority over all aspects of life.
### Summary
Rᵉʻêlâyâh (רְעֵלָיָה, `{{H7480}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a theophoric name meaning "trembling of Yah" or "fearful of Jah." Derived from the root רָעַל (to tremble, reel) and the divine name element יָהּ (Yahweh), it encapsulates a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. This individual is mentioned twice in the biblical text, in [[Ezra 2:2]] and its parallel [[Nehemiah 7:7]] (where it appears as Raamiah, `{{H7481}}`), as one of the leaders who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. His inclusion in these vital lists places him among the foundational figures of the post-exilic community. The name's theological significance lies in its reflection of the "fear of the Lord," a central biblical concept denoting not terror, but a deep, reverential awe and humility before the sovereign God, Yahweh. Rᵉʻêlâyâh's name stands as a testament to a life lived in recognition of God's awesome power and holiness, a fitting characteristic for one involved in the sacred task of national and spiritual restoration.
TRV