ra.qi.a is the broad space described as separating waters, containing heavenly lights and birds, and standing above living creatures.

The term most often denotes the created heavenly space: it separates waters, is called heaven, contains lights, and is crossed by birds. In Ezekiel it is an overhead expanse above the living creatures, while poetic passages associate it with brightness or power.

1. Created heavenly space · dominant

   In Genesis 1:6 and Genesis 1:7, the absolute singular names what is made in the midst of the waters and what separates waters below from waters above; Genesis 1:8 says that God called it heaven. In the construct singular passages, Genesis 1:14, Genesis 1:15, and Genesis 1:20 place lights and the flight of birds in relation to “the expanse of the heavens” in the APB.

   Genesis 1:6Genesis 1:7Genesis 1:8Genesis 1:14Genesis 1:15Genesis 1:20
2. Overhead space above living creatures · common

   The absolute singular in Ezekiel 1:22 is above the heads of the living creatures and is likened in the APB to awesome ice. Ezekiel 1:23 places their wings under it, while Ezekiel 1:25 and Ezekiel 1:26 locate a sound and a throne-like appearance above it.

   Ezekiel 1:22Ezekiel 1:23Ezekiel 1:25Ezekiel 1:26Ezekiel 10:1
3. Poetic setting of brightness or power · occasional

   In Daniel 12:3, the APB compares the prudent to the brightness of the expanse, and Psalm 150:1 calls for praise in “the expanse of his power.” Psalm 19:2 contains the absolute singular form, though the supplied APB wording does not visibly represent its contribution.

   Daniel 12:3Psalm 150:1Psalm 19:2

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly renders the term “expanse,” including “the expanse of the heavens” in the Genesis celestial passages and “the expanse of his power” in Psalm 150:1. In Psalm 19:2, the supplied APB does not visibly render the attested form.