רַאֲשֹׁת (ra.a.shot)
ra.a.shot
head-place
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ra’ashot, appearing only once in Scripture in 1 Samuel 15:12, literally means “head-place” or a location at the head of something. It is a plural form derived from the word for head (rosh), but functions here to describe a specific physical spot rather than a person or leader.
In its single occurrence, the term refers to the high place where Samuel went to offer sacrifices. This usage highlights a concrete geographical sense: it was the prominent or elevated site designated for religious activity. The word does not carry abstract theological weight in this context but simply identifies the location as the primary or foremost place of worship at that time.
Translators typically render this phrase as “the high place” or “the head-place,” emphasizing its status as the main site. Because it appears only here, scholars rely on the immediate context to confirm that it denotes a physical elevation used for sacrifice, rather than a metaphorical leadership role. The term underscores the importance of location in ancient Israelite worship practices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ra’ashot appears only once in the Bible, found in 1 Samuel 15:12. It literally translates to "head-place" or a location at the head of something. In this single instance, it describes the high place where the prophet Samuel went to offer sacrifices. This usage highlights a concrete geographical sense, identifying a prominent or elevated site designated for religious activity.
While the word itself is rare, it reminds us that ancient Israelite worship often took place in specific, significant locations. For you, this might encourage an appreciation for setting aside dedicated spaces or times to seek God. Whether you gather in a church building or pray in your home, the focus remains on honoring God in the places He has provided.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [at the] head of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵרַאֲשֹׁתֵ֣י1×