אֲרוּמָה (a.ru.mah)
a.ru.mah
Arumah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun arumah refers to a specific place near Shechem, identified in Scripture as the home of Abimelech. The name itself carries the meaning "I shall be exalted," a title that aligns with Abimelech’s ambition to rule over his brothers. This location appears only once in the biblical text, serving as the backdrop for a pivotal moment in the narrative of Judges.
In Judges 9:30, the governor of Shechem is named and placed within this setting, highlighting the political tension between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem. The etymology of the word suggests a connection to height or elevation, both physically and socially. While the text does not elaborate on the geography beyond its proximity to Shechem, the name itself underscores the theme of pride and power that drives the story forward.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Arumah means "I shall be exalted," a title that perfectly captures Abimelech’s ambition to rule over his own family. This single mention in Judges highlights how pride often seeks power through manipulation rather than genuine leadership. When we see characters striving for elevation at the expense of others, it serves as a warning against the corrosive nature of self-promotion.
In our own lives, we may face similar temptations to prioritize status or control over humility and community. The story reminds us that true influence does not come from forcing others into submission but from serving with integrity. By recognizing these patterns, we can choose paths that build up rather than tear down those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at <the>/ Arumah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּ/ארוּמָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 9:41
Abimelech lived at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
This verse identifies Arumah as Abimelech's residence, marking the center of his political operations and setting the stage for the conflict with Gaal.