Lexical Summary rev: To subdue, to have dominion, to rule Original Word: רֵו Strong's Exhaustive Concordance form (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to ra'ah; aspect -- form. see HEBREW ra'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to raah Definition appearance NASB Translation appearance (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רֵו] noun masculine appearance (ᵑ7, rare); — suffix רֵוֵהּ Daniel 2:31; Daniel 3:25. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in ScriptureThe term appears only twice, both times in the Aramaic portion of Daniel (Daniel 2:31; Daniel 3:25). In each setting it conveys the outward aspect, look, or visible form of something extraordinary—a gigantic statue in the king’s dream and the mysterious fourth figure in the fiery furnace. Contextual Analysis 1. Daniel 2:31. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream opens with a colossal statue “immense and extraordinarily bright… and its appearance was terrifying”. The word underscores the overpowering visual impression made on the king. The overwhelmingly majestic look of the statue anticipates the sequence of world empires it represents (Daniel 2:36-45) and prepares the reader for the striking contrast with the stone “cut out without hands” that ultimately shatters it. 2. Daniel 3:25. When the king peers into the furnace, he exclaims, “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods”. The same word marks the remarkable form of the fourth man—a visible manifestation of divine presence protecting the faithful. The emphasis on appearance invites careful reflection on who is being revealed: an angelic deliverer, or, as many Christians have concluded, a Christophany foreshadowing the incarnate Son. Historical Significance Both occurrences belong to events dated to the Babylonian exile (sixth century B.C.). The Israelites had lost temple, land, and monarchy, yet the narratives insist that God was not absent. By drawing attention to the outward form of what Nebuchadnezzar saw, Daniel confronts Babylonian claims to power with a higher, unseen sovereignty that nonetheless makes itself visible at decisive moments. Theological Significance Appearance in Scripture often signals revelation. In Daniel 2, human splendor is unmasked as fleeting when the statue is pulverized by the kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44-45). In Daniel 3, divine glory is hinted at within the flames, teaching that God is near to the persecuted and sovereign over nature. The word therefore serves a didactic purpose: it magnifies the gulf between worldly pomp and the enduring majesty of the Lord. Christological Implications The “form… like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25) has long been read in light of New Testament revelation. Passages such as John 1:14 (“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us”) echo the Old Testament pattern of God taking visible form to rescue His people. The fiery-furnace event anticipates the ultimate saving presence of Jesus Christ, who “will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Practical and Ministry Application 1. Assurance in Trials. Believers facing opposition can take courage that the Lord who showed Himself in Babylon still accompanies His servants. The visible form in the furnace is a pledge of unseen but certain help (Hebrews 13:5-6). 2. Discernment of Earthly Power. The dazzling appearance of the statue warns against judging by outward impressiveness (1 Samuel 16:7). Kingdoms rise and fall, but the kingdom of God endures; therefore, believers anchor hope in the Rock that fills the whole earth (Daniel 2:35). 3. Worship and Witness. Recognizing divine appearance leads to worship, as Nebuchadnezzar himself confessed, “There is no other god who is able to deliver in this way” (Daniel 3:29). The church bears witness to the same Deliverer by living lives that display His presence. Related Biblical Themes • Theophany—visible manifestations of God (Exodus 3:2; Isaiah 6:1). Conclusion Though occurring only twice, this term powerfully highlights two visions that define the message of Daniel: earthly might is transient, and God’s saving presence is real and observable. The word draws readers to behold with spiritual eyes the true King whose appearance will one day fill the whole earth with glory (Habakkuk 2:14). Forms and Transliterations וְרֵוֵ֖הּ וְרֵוֵהּ֙ ורוה vereVeh wə·rê·wêh wərêwêhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:31 HEB: קָאֵ֣ם לְקָבְלָ֑ךְ וְרֵוֵ֖הּ דְּחִֽיל׃ NAS: in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. KJV: before thee; and the form thereof [was] terrible. INT: was standing front appearance was awesome Daniel 3:25 2 Occurrences |
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