Original Word: רָקִיעַ
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: raqiya`
Pronunciation: rah-kee-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-kee'-ah)
KJV: firmament
NASB: expanse, expanse of heaven
Word Origin: [from H7554 (רָקַע - spread)]

1. (properly) an expanse, i.e. the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky

firmament

From raqa'; properly, an expanse, i.e. The firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky -- firmament.

see HEBREW raqa'

Word Origin
from raqa
Definition
an extended surface, expanse
NASB Translation
expanse (16), expanse of heaven (1).

רָקִיעַ noun masculine^{Genesis 1:6} extended surface, (solid) expanse (as if beaten out; compare Job 37:18); — absolute ׳ר Ezekiel 1:22 +, construct ׳רְ Genesis 1:14 +; — ᵐ5 στερέωμα, ᵑ9 firmamentum, compare Syriac below √above; —

1 (flat) expanse (as if of ice, compare כְּעֵין הַקֶּרַח), as base, support (Wkl^{Altor. Forsch. iv. 347}) Ezekiel 1:22,23,25(gloss ? compare Co Toy), Ezekiel 1:26 (supporting ׳י's throne). Hence (Co^{Ezekiel 1:22})

2 the vault of heaven, or 'firmament,' regarded by Hebrews as solid, and supporting 'waters' above it, Genesis 1:6,7 (3 t. in verse); Genesis 1:8 (called שָׁמַיַם; all P), Psalm 19:2 ("" הַשָּׁמַיַם), ׳זֹהַר הָר Daniel 12:3; also ׳ר הַשָּׁמִיִם Genesis 1:14,15,17, ׳הַשּׁ ׳עַלמְּֿנֵי ר Genesis 1:20 (all P). **רְקִיעַ עֻזּוֺ Psalm 150:1 (suffix reference to ׳י).

Definition and Scope

The Hebrew noun רָקִיעַ refers to the divinely fashioned “expanse” or “firmament” that stretches above the earth. Scripture presents it as a real, God-ordered structure that both reveals His glory and serves His sovereign purposes in creation, providence, worship, and eschatology.

Creation on the Second Day

Genesis 1:6-8 records the initial appearance of the expanse. “And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.’ … God called the expanse ‘heavens.’ ” The text portrays a deliberate act of separation: waters above are held back, waters below remain for the forming seas. Thus the expanse establishes boundaries, order, and life-sustaining conditions. Its naming as “heavens” signals both majesty and function; the cosmos is now a habitable realm under divine rule.

Setting for Celestial Lights

On the fourth day the expanse becomes the placement for the luminaries: “God set these lights in the expanse of the heavens to shine upon the earth” (Genesis 1:17). Sun, moon, and stars measure time, illuminate, and serve as signs. Their precise positioning underscores the dependability of God’s covenantal rhythms—seasons, days, and years.

Habitation for Winged Creatures

Genesis 1:20 links the expanse with biological life: “Let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens.” Birds inhabit the lower regions of the firmament, testifying that what God forms He fills. The verse also shows the expanse bridging earth and the heavenly realms, a theme later echoed in prophecy and worship.

Revelation of Glory

Psalm 19:1 affirms, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” The expanse functions as a vast, silent preacher. Its span, beauty, and constancy summon every generation to acknowledge the Creator. For evangelism and apologetics this declaration remains foundational: creation itself witnesses to God’s existence and power (compare Romans 1:20).

Venue of Praise

Psalm 150:1 calls, “Praise Him in His mighty heavens.” Worship, therefore, is not confined to earthly sanctuaries; the firmament resounds with praise. Angels, church militant, and church triumphant unite across the heavenly space, foreshadowing the ultimate restoration when heaven and earth harmonize in worship.

Prophetic Throne-Room Visions

Ezekiel’s inaugural vision features the expanse prominently. “Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal” (Ezekiel 1:22). Above it stands a sapphire-like throne (Ezekiel 1:26; 10:1). The prophet sees the firmament as the flooring of God’s mobile throne-chariot. The imagery conveys transcendence—God is enthroned beyond creaturely reach—yet He graciously reveals Himself. The crystalline clarity also suggests holiness and transparency: nothing clouds His sovereignty.

Eschatological Brilliance

Daniel 12:3 looks forward: “Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.” The firmament here symbolizes eternal radiance granted to the redeemed. Missionary faithfulness (“lead many to righteousness”) results in glory that mirrors the very brilliance of the expanse.

Historical Perspectives

Ancient Near Eastern peoples often depicted the sky as a solid vault separating cosmic waters. Scripture employs similar phenomenological language yet redirects attention to the personal Creator who shaped it, not to impersonal forces. The biblical firmament, therefore, is neither mythic nor merely poetic; it is the purposeful handiwork of the Lord, distinct from pagan cosmologies that deified the heavens.

Theological Themes

• Order and Boundaries: The expanse restrains chaos-waters, illustrating God’s rule over disorder.
• Revelation: Its grandeur consistently points to God’s attributes—power, wisdom, beauty.
• Mediation: Positioned between earth and God’s highest heaven, the firmament reminds humanity of the need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in the incarnate Christ who “ascended far above all the heavens” (Ephesians 4:10).
• Hope of Transformation: Believers are promised conformity to heavenly splendor, reinforcing sanctification’s goal and final glorification.

Ministry Implications

1. Preaching: The firmament provides a vivid illustration of God’s creative authority and faithfulness.
2. Worship Planning: Psalm 19 and Psalm 150 encourage integrating creation motifs into corporate praise, fostering awe.
3. Discipleship: Daniel 12:3 motivates evangelism; wise believers who invest in souls will share the expanse’s brilliance.
4. Stewardship: Recognizing the heavens as God’s handiwork promotes responsible care for the earth beneath them.
5. Pastoral Care: The stability of the firmament reassures the flock that, amid upheaval, divine order stands firm.

Summary

רָקִיעַ encompasses more than a physical sky; it embodies God’s power to create, His authority to rule, His desire to reveal, and His promise to glorify. From Genesis to Daniel the expanse frames redemptive history—forming a canopy for life, a stage for celestial signs, a platform for heavenly worship, and a symbol of the radiant destiny awaiting the people of God.

בִּרְקִ֣יעַ בִּרְקִ֥יעַ ברקיע הָרָקִ֑יעַ הָרָקִ֔יעַ הָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ הָרָקִֽיעַ׃ הָרָקִיעַ֒ הרקיע הרקיע׃ לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ לָרָקִ֑יעַ לָרָקִ֔יעַ לָרָקִ֖יעַ לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ לרקיע רְקִ֥יעַ רָקִ֔יעַ רָקִ֖יעַ רקיע bir·qî·a‘ birKia birqîa‘ hā·rā·qî·a‘ harakia hārāqîa‘ lā·rā·qî·a‘ laraKia lārāqîa‘ rā·qî·a‘ raKia rāqîa‘ rə·qî·a‘ reKia rəqîa‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts