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Revia (Hebrew cantillation mark)

Revia (רְבִיעַ‎, [r^əviaʕ]) is a cantillation mark commonly found in the Torah, Haftarah, and other biblical texts.

It is commonly explained as being the Aramaic equivalent of Hebrew רְבִיעִי‎ Revi'i, meaning 'fourth' or 'quarter'.^[1], and for that reason is sometimes called Revi'i. However, this is probably a folk etymology: the more likely meaning in Aramaic is "crouching" or "lying", referring to its position vertically above the word.^[2]

Revia is considered to have medium strength. It is stronger than a PashtaorTevir, but weaker than a ZakeforTifcha.^[3]

Revia can occur either by itself, or following one or two Munachs. When there are two Munachs prior to a Revia, the first Munach has a long melody, and the second one is short. When there is one Munach, it is short.

Based on its translation as fourth, in printed texts it is represented by a diamond-shaped mark. However in manuscripts it is just a dot.^[4]

Total occurrences[edit]

Melody[edit]

The Rivia is read in a slow, downward tone, with a pause in the middle breaking upward.

References[edit]

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