רָזִי (ra.zi)
ra.zi
wasting
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ra·zi describes a state of physical wasting or leanness. It appears only once in the Bible, in Isaiah 3:17, where it characterizes the visible effects of divine judgment on the women of Zion. The word conveys more than simple thinness; it suggests a body consumed by disease, famine, or affliction until it becomes gaunt and depleted.
Its root relates to dryness and emptiness, painting a vivid picture of vitality drained away. In this specific context, Isaiah uses the term to illustrate how God will strike the women with scabs and sores, leaving their bodies marked by decay and weakness. The image serves as a stark metaphor for the loss of beauty and strength that accompanies spiritual rebellion.
Translators typically render ra·zi as "wasting" or "leanness," capturing the sense of something being eaten away from within. This single occurrence highlights the biblical theme that physical suffering often mirrors spiritual consequences, using the body’s deterioration to signal a deeper rupture in relationship with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ra·zi describes a state of physical wasting or leanness, appearing only once in Scripture within Isaiah 3:17. It paints a vivid picture of vitality drained away by affliction, disease, or famine until the body becomes gaunt and depleted. This term conveys more than simple thinness; it suggests a condition where strength is consumed from within.
While this specific occurrence highlights how physical suffering can mirror spiritual consequences, its rarity reminds us that God’s judgments are precise and meaningful. The image serves as a stark metaphor for the loss of beauty and strength that accompanies rebellion, yet it also points to the seriousness with which God views the health of His people—both body and soul.
In our own lives, we may face seasons where our energy feels depleted or our bodies weak. This word invites us to look beyond surface appearances and consider the deeper realities at work. It encourages a return to reliance on God, who restores what is wasted and brings healing to those who seek Him with sincere hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- leanness2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָזִי\־1×
- רָֽזִי\־1×