רוּם (rum)
rum
to exalt; be rotten
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 136 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ruwm primarily conveys the idea of rising, being high, or becoming exalted. It describes physical elevation, such as lifting an object or raising one’s voice, but it is most frequently used to describe God’s majesty and sovereignty. In the Psalms and Isaiah, ruwm often portrays the Lord as being set on high above the nations, emphasizing His supreme authority and holiness.
The word carries a range of meanings depending on its grammatical form. In the active stems, it can mean to lift up, erect, or extol, while in passive forms, it indicates being raised or exalted by another. Interestingly, in one specific instance in Exodus 16:20, ruwm takes on a negative sense, describing meat that has become rotten or wormy, highlighting the contrast between physical decay and divine elevation.
This verb is central to biblical theology, as it underscores the belief that God alone is truly exalted. Translators often render ruwm as "exalt," "high," or "lift up," capturing both its literal and figurative senses. The word’s usage in Isaiah 57:15, for example, describes God dwelling in high places yet also with the humble, illustrating the tension between His transcendence and immanence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ruwm paints a picture of height and honor. In everyday life, we lift objects to see them better or raise our hands in greeting. In Scripture, this action becomes a profound statement about God’s nature. He is the One who stands above all circumstances, sovereign and mighty over every nation and king.
Yet this same word reminds us that true elevation comes from Him alone. When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, showing that victory belongs to the Lord. We are invited to lift our voices in praise, recognizing that He is high and holy. This perspective brings peace, knowing that no matter how low we feel, God remains exalted above it all.
Even in moments of decay or failure, His majesty does not diminish. Instead, we find comfort in the truth that He dwells with the humble while remaining on high. Our lives are called to reflect this balance: honoring God’s greatness while resting in His nearness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 136 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will offer up5×
- and/ lofty4×
- and/ he raised4×
- to/ lift up3×
- they contributed3×
- raised3×
- raise3×
- lift up3×
- he will lift up3×
- he lifts up3×
- I will exalt/ you3×
- when/ offer up/ you2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָרִ֥ים4×
- רָ֣ם3×
- יָרִ֣ים3×
- וָ/רָ֖ם3×
- הָרִ֥ימוּ3×
- תָּרִ֥ימוּ2×
- רֽוֹמְמ֡וּ2×
- רָמִ֥ים2×
- רָמ֣וּ2×
- רָ֥מָה2×
- מֵרִ֥ים2×
- וַ/יָּ֨רֶם2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 15:2
Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
This verse uses ruwm as a personal declaration of praise, where the speaker actively exalts God as their salvation and strength.
-
Exodus 17:11
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
Here the physical act of lifting up Moses' hand directly correlates with Israel's military success, illustrating divine dependence.
-
Genesis 14:22
Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Abram uses this term to address Yahweh as 'God Most High,' establishing His supreme authority over heaven and earth.
-
Numbers 15:30
“‘But the soul who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, blasphemes Yahweh. That soul shall be cut off from among his people.
The phrase 'high hand' describes arrogant rebellion, contrasting human pride with the humility required to honor God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ruwm mean in the Bible?
Why does ruwm mean 'rotten' in Exodus 16:20?
How is ruwm different from other words for praise?
Every Occurrence (136 verses across 21 books)
Genesis 6 verses
The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the…
Genesis 14:22Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
Genesis 31:45Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.
Genesis 39:15When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”
Genesis 39:18and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”
Genesis 41:44Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.”