Original Word: רֵעִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Re`iy
Pronunciation: ray-ee
Phonetic Spelling: (ray-ee')
KJV: Rei
NASB: Rei
Word Origin: [from H7453 (רֵַע רֵיַע - neighbor)]

1. social
2. Rei, an Israelite

Rei

From rea'; social; Rei, an Israelite -- Rei.

see HEBREW rea'

Word Origin
from raah
Definition
a courtier of King David
NASB Translation
Rei (1).

רֵעִי proper name, masculine (compare Palmyrene proper name רעי friendly (?) Cook¹⁰⁹); — courtier of David (si vera lectio) 1 Kings 1:8; Ρησει, ᵐ5^L οἱ ἑταῖροι αὐτοῦ.

Text and Context

The single biblical appearance of רֵעִי (Rei) occurs in 1 Kings 1:8. As King David neared death, Adonijah attempted to seize the throne. The verse reads, “But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men did not side with Adonijah” (Berean Standard Bible). Rei stands among a short list of leaders who resisted the popular but illegitimate coup and remained loyal to the divinely chosen succession through Solomon.

Historical Setting

1 Kings 1 describes a volatile moment in Israel’s monarchy. David’s physical weakness emboldened Adonijah to gather supporters—among them Joab and Abiathar—while excluding those historically aligned with David’s covenantal commitments. Rei is named beside men whose fidelity had repeatedly been tested in war, priestly service, and prophetic ministry. His presence in this group implies he was part of the king’s inner circle—likely a trusted court official or captain—yet Scripture leaves his biography otherwise silent.

The Person Rei

Despite scant detail, Rei’s single mention is deliberately placed. Scripture often highlights lesser-known individuals to emphasize the principle that faithfulness, not fame, secures a place in God’s redemptive record (compare 2 Timothy 2:19). By refusing to “side with Adonijah,” Rei aligned himself with David’s sworn oath that Solomon would reign (1 Kings 1:13). His name therefore becomes synonymous with covenant loyalty at a critical hinge in Israel’s history.

Spiritual Significance

1. Loyalty to God’s chosen king

Rei embodies allegiance to legitimate authority. In turning away from a self-appointed ruler, he echoes the broader biblical pattern of honoring God-ordained leadership—seen in Moses over Korah (Numbers 16) and later in Jesus over the rebellious world (Acts 4:26-27).

2. Discernment amid political pressure

Adonijah’s feast at the Stone of Zoheleth attracted many prominent figures. Rei’s abstention shows discernment grounded not in popularity but in promise. The incident illustrates Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” for true friendship occasionally requires standing against cultural momentum to uphold righteousness.

3. Quiet faithfulness

Rei never speaks in the narrative, yet his silence is not passivity. His steadfast presence supports those acting decisively—Nathan’s counsel to Bathsheba, Solomon’s anointing, and ultimately the preservation of David’s dynasty through which Messiah would come (Matthew 1:6-7).

Lessons for Ministry

• Valor is not measured by the quantity of one’s recorded deeds but by the quality of one decisive stand for truth.
• Ministry leaders must cultivate allies like Rei—individuals who, even without platform or title, will not compromise when succession or doctrinal integrity is at stake.
• Congregations facing factionalism can draw from Rei’s example a template for resisting charismatic yet illegitimate leadership: remain anchored to Scripture’s clear directives, support proven shepherds, and trust God’s timing.

Connections to Christ

Solomon’s coronation foreshadows the enthronement of the Son of David (Psalm 72; Luke 1:32-33). Rei’s loyalty anticipates the call given to Christians to remain faithful to Jesus Christ when worldly powers offer attractive counter-kingdoms (Hebrews 13:13-14). Just as Rei’s fidelity safeguarded the promise of an enduring throne, so the Church’s fidelity proclaims the coming reign of the true King.

Practical Application

1. Examine personal alliances: Are they grounded in biblical conviction or convenience?
2. Encourage emerging leaders who model Rei’s unobtrusive stability.
3. Remember that God records even a single act of faithfulness; therefore, “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).

In an era enamored with visibility, Rei’s solitary mention reminds believers that unwavering devotion to God’s revealed plan outweighs public recognition.

וְרֵעִ֔י ורעי vereI wə·rê·‘î wərê‘îInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts