Original Word: רֹאֶה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: ro'eh
Pronunciation: roh-eh
Phonetic Spelling: (ro-eh')
Definition: Seer, prophet
Meaning: a seer, a vision

vision

Active participle of ra'ah; a seer (as often rendered); but also (abstractly) a vision -- vision.

see HEBREW ra'ah

I. רֹאֶה noun [masculine] seer, with article ׳הָר (except 2 Samuel 15:27); — old name for נָבִיא 1 Samuel 9:9b, used of Samuel 1 Samuel 9:9 a.; 1 Samuel 9:11; 1 Samuel 9:18; 1 Samuel 9:19 and (as archaism) 1 Chronicles 9:22; 1 Chronicles 26:28; 1 Chronicles 29:29; of חֲנָנִי2Chronicles 16:7,10; הֲרוֺאֶה apparently of Zadok 2 Samuel 15:27, but corrupt (conjecture in We Dr); plural (with preposition) לָרֹאִים Isaiah 30:10 the seers, as a class.

II. רֹאֶה noun [masculine] prophetic vision ׳שָׁגוּ בָּר Isaiah 28:7 they reel in (their) vision ("" מָּקוּ מְּלִילִיָּת).

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb רָאָה (ra'ah), meaning "to see."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G3708 (ὁράω, horao): to see, perceive
• G991 (βλέπω, blepo): to see, look at
• G1492 (εἴδω, eido): to know, to see

These Greek terms capture the essence of seeing and perceiving, which aligns with the role of the רֹאֶה as one who sees or receives divine visions.

Usage: The term רֹאֶה (ro'eh) is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe individuals who are granted the ability to perceive divine messages or visions. It is often synonymous with the term "prophet," though it specifically emphasizes the visionary aspect of the prophetic role.

Context: The term רֹאֶה (ro'eh) appears in the Hebrew Bible as a designation for individuals who are recipients of divine visions and messages. This term is often used interchangeably with נָבִיא (navi), meaning "prophet," but it highlights the aspect of seeing or perceiving divine revelations. The role of a רֹאֶה was significant in ancient Israel, as these individuals served as intermediaries between God and the people, conveying God's will and guidance.

In 1 Samuel 9:9, the text provides a historical note explaining that what is now called a "prophet" was formerly called a "seer": "Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say, 'Come, let us go to the seer,' for the prophet of today was formerly called the seer." This indicates a transition in terminology over time, reflecting perhaps a broader understanding of the prophetic office.

Notable figures identified as רֹאֶה include Samuel, who is described as a seer in 1 Samuel 9:19: "I am the seer," Samuel replied. "Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you will eat with me, and in the morning I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart." This highlights the role of the seer in providing guidance and insight into God's plans.

The function of the רֹאֶה was not limited to foretelling future events but also included providing counsel, interpreting visions, and offering spiritual insight. The seer's ability to perceive divine truths made them an essential part of the religious and social fabric of ancient Israel.

בָּֽרֹאֶ֔ה בראה הָרֹאֶ֑ה הָרֹאֶ֔ה הָרֹאֶֽה׃ הראה הראה׃ bā·rō·’eh bārō’eh baroEh hā·rō·’eh hārō’eh haroEhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts