Revia (Hebrew: רְבִיעַ, [{{IPA|r<sup>ə</sup>viaʕ}}]) 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 Hebrew: rtl=yes|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 Pashta or Tevir, but weaker than a Zakef or Tifcha.[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]
| Book | Number of appearances | |
|---|---|---|
| Torah | 2430[5] | |
| Genesis | 610 | |
| Exodus | 504 | |
| Leviticus | 312 | |
| Numbers | 497 | |
| Deuteronomy | 507 | |
| Nevi'im | 2239[6] | |
| Ketuvim | 1672 |
The Rivia is read in a slow, downward tone, with a pause in the middle breaking upward.