Original Word: רְעוּת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: ruwth
Pronunciation: reh-OOTH
Phonetic Spelling: (reh-ooth')
KJV: pleasure, will
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H7469 (רְעוּת - striving)]

1. desire

pleasure, will

(Aramaic) corresponding to r'uwth; desire -- pleasure, will.

see HEBREW r'uwth

Word Origin
see reu.

[רְעוּ] noun feminine good pleasure, will; — construct רְעוּת of king Ezra 5:17, of God Ezra 7:18.

Occurrences and Literary Setting

• Twice in Ezra: the governor’s letter to Darius about the halted temple work (Ezra 5:17) and Artaxerxes’ decree delivered to Ezra (Ezra 7:18). In both places the term marks a decision made freely yet reverently.

Sense within Context

Expresses “pleasure,” “purpose,” or “what seems best.” When the Persian court uses it, the phrase “if it pleases the king” frames respectful petition. When addressed to Ezra, it widens to “according to the will of your God,” binding human discretion to divine desire.

Historical Background

Ezra 5:17 (circa 520 BC) reflects imperial inquiry under Darius I; Ezra 7:18 (458 BC) shows Artaxerxes I entrusting Ezra with temple funds. The same word thus traverses two reigns, illustrating God’s steady hand over shifting political scenes.

Theological Themes

Authority: Earthly rulers possess legitimate, but delegated, authority (compare Romans 13:1). The repetition underscores God’s governance over kings’ “good pleasure.”

Stewardship: Silver and gold left over from offerings are to be used only “according to the will of your God” (Ezra 7:18), highlighting accountable management of sacred resources.

Providence: Cyrus’ earlier decree (Ezra 1:1) and these later edicts reveal continuity in God’s plan despite opposition, fulfilling prophecies such as Isaiah 44:28.

Humility in Petition: “If it pleases the king” models respectful engagement with civil authority while trusting God for favor.

Ministry Applications

• Decisions in church or mission finance should echo Ezra 7:18—spent for what accords with God’s pleasure, not mere expedience.
• Leaders may approach secular authorities openly and courteously, confident that the Lord can steer their hearts (Proverbs 21:1).
• Praying communities should align plans with divine purpose, remembering that genuine success rests on pleasing God rather than on human strategy.

Christological Horizon

The Son’s ministry fulfills the pattern: “I do always what pleases Him” (John 8:29). Just as Ezra dispensed resources for temple worship, Jesus administers the riches of grace to build a living temple (Ephesians 2:21).

Summary

Strong’s 7470 underscores purposeful decision-making under God’s sovereign oversight. Whether on a royal throne or in temple courts, what truly “seems good” is what accords with the will and pleasure of the Lord.

כִּרְע֥וּת כרעות kir‘ūṯ kir·‘ūṯ kirUt ureUtInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts