רָז
𐤓𐤆
râz
H7328 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Secret, mystery, or enigmatic matter; refers to information or knowledge that is concealed, not generally accessible, or requiring special revelation to understand. Used especially in contexts where hidden or divine knowledge is revealed, particularly in apocalyptic or visionary literature.
Semantic Range
secret, mystery, hidden matter, concealed knowledge, enigmatic or divine revelation
Root / Etymology
The root is presumed to be רז, though it is not attested in Hebrew outside of this nominal form and is otherwise unused. In Aramaic, the word רָז occurs and likely derives from an original Semitic root with the sense 'to hide, conceal,' which is not found as a verb in Biblical Aramaic. The specific derivational path is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָז appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the book of Daniel (e.g., Daniel 2). The word most often refers to divine mysteries or secrets revealed through visions, dreams, or prophetic interpretation, addressing knowledge that is inaccessible to ordinary understanding. It contrasts with more generic terms for knowledge (e.g., חָכְמָה, 'wisdom') or counsel (עֵצָה). In the Danielic context, רָז underscores the distinction between the knowledge attainable by human means and that which is uniquely disclosed by the deity. English translations often use 'mystery' or 'secret,' but these words may not always capture the technical nuance of divine revelation intended in the original context. In later Jewish Aramaic and Rabbinic literature, רָז acquires additional mystical or esoteric connotations, but in the biblical Aramaic period, its usage is tied specifically to divinely imparted hidden knowledge. Its occurrence is thus limited to specific genres (apocalyptic, visionary) and is absent from the more prosaic or legal Aramaic portions of the Bible.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) from an unused root probably meaning; to attenuate, i.e. (figuratively) hide; a mystery; secret.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רז (r-z) — to hide, to conceal, to make secret
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7328-03 |
רָזָ֖/ה | razah | ANcmsd/Td |
the mystery | concealed mystery | 4 |
H7328-05 |
רָזִ֔ין | razin | ANcmpa |
mysteries | hidden matters | 2 |
H7328-01 |
רָ֖ז | raz | ANcmsa |
mystery | hidden secret | 1 |
H7328-04 |
רָזַיָּ֛/א | razaya | ANcmpd/Td |
of secrets | the hidden matters | 1 |
H7328-02 |
רָזָ֥/א | raza | ANcmsd/Td |
secret | the concealed mystery | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7328-03 |
Daniel 2:18 | רָזָ֖/ה | razah | ANcmsd/Td |
this secret | concealed mystery |
H7328-03 |
Daniel 2:19 | רָזָ֣/ה | razah | ANcmsd/Td |
the mystery | concealed mystery |
H7328-03 |
Daniel 2:27 | רָזָ/ה֙ | razah | ANcmsd/Td |
the mystery | concealed mystery |
H7328-05 |
Daniel 2:28 | רָזִ֔ין | razin | ANcmpa |
mysteries | hidden matters |
H7328-04 |
Daniel 2:29 | רָזַיָּ֛/א | razaya | ANcmpd/Td |
of secrets | the hidden matters |
H7328-02 |
Daniel 2:30 | רָזָ֥/א | raza | ANcmsd/Td |
secret | the concealed mystery |
H7328-05 |
Daniel 2:47 | רָזִ֑ין | razin | ANcmpa |
of mysteries | hidden matters |
H7328-03 |
Daniel 2:47 | רָזָ֥/ה | razah | ANcmsd/Td |
this mystery | concealed mystery |
H7328-01 |
Daniel 4:6 | רָ֖ז | raz | ANcmsa |
mystery | hidden secret |