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H7549 · Hebrew · Old Testament
רָקִיעַ
raqia
Noun, masculine
expanse, firmament, sky

Definition

The dome-like expanse of sky that God created on day two and stretched out like a tent (Ps 104:2). The heavens declare God's glory (Ps 19:1) — the raqia itself is a proclamation.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ancient cosmology pictured the raqia as a solid dome holding back upper waters. Theologically it represents God's ordering of chaos into creation — the sky as the boundary of habitable space.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 1:6 Let there be an expanse [raqia] in the midst of the waters.
Psalm 19:1 The sky [raqia] above proclaims his handiwork.
Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the expanse [raqia].

Word Study

Daniel 12:3 uses raqia to describe resurrection glory — the wise shining like the sky. NT resurrection glory (Matt 13:43: 'the righteous will shine like the sun') draws on this image.

Related Words

External Resources

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