כּוּשַׁן רִשְׁעָתַ֫יִם (ku.shan rish.a.ta.yim)
ku.shan rish.a.ta.yim
Cushan-rishathaim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Cushan-rishathaim appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Judges. It identifies a specific ruler who oppressed Israel before being defeated by the judge Othniel. The title functions as a descriptive epithet rather than a standard personal name, marking him as a significant antagonist in the early cycle of judges.
Lexical analysis breaks the name into two parts: "Cushan," likely referring to a region or people, and "rishathaim," which means "double wickedness" or "twice-wicked." This unique compound suggests a reputation for extreme cruelty or repeated acts of evil. The text uses this striking title to emphasize the severity of the oppression Israel faced under his rule.
His defeat by Othniel marks a turning point in the narrative, bringing a period of peace to the land. The specificity of the name highlights the historical reality of the conflict while underscoring the theological theme that deliverance comes when God raises up a leader to counter such profound injustice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Cushan-rishathaim carries a heavy weight, literally meaning "double wickedness." In Judges 3:8, this title introduces a ruler whose oppression was so severe that it defined an entire generation of suffering for Israel. The text does not shy away from the darkness of this period, showing us a time when God’s people were sold into the hands of a king whose cruelty knew no bounds.
Yet this description serves a deeper purpose than merely listing a villain. By highlighting the extreme nature of the injustice, the narrative sets the stage for a greater display of divine rescue. The severity of the bondage makes the subsequent deliverance by Othniel all the more striking. It reminds us that no matter how deep the darkness or how powerful the oppressor, God remains sovereign over history.
We find comfort in knowing that God sees the depth of our struggles. When circumstances feel overwhelming and unjust, this account assures us that God raises up help when the time is right. His Spirit empowers those who stand for justice, turning despair into hope. We can trust that He is always working, even when the enemy seems to have the upper hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rishathaim4×
- Cushan-4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כּוּשַׁ֥ן3×
- רִשְׁעָתַ֖יִם2×
- רִשְׁעָתָֽיִם\׃1×
- רִשְׁעָתַ֔יִם1×
- כּוּשַׁ֣ן1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:8
Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia; and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim eight years.
This verse establishes the severity of the oppression by linking the king's epithet "double wickedness" directly to Israel's eight years of servitude.
-
Judges 3:10
Yahweh’s Spirit came on him, and he judged Israel; and he went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. His hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim.
Here the narrative shifts as Yahweh’s Spirit empowers Othniel, demonstrating that divine intervention is the only force capable of prevailing against such profound evil.