רֹ֫מַח (ro.mach)
ro.mach
spear
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun romach refers to a spear or lance, a primary weapon in ancient warfare. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Judges and II Chronicles. This term distinguishes the thrusting spear from other weapons like swords or bows, highlighting its role in close combat.
In biblical narratives, the romach often signifies military strength or divine judgment through war. For instance, it is mentioned in the context of battles where Israelite forces engage their enemies. The word’s presence in historical books underscores the reality of physical conflict in ancient Israelite society.
While less common than terms for swords, the spear carries symbolic weight. It represents both the danger of battle and God’s sovereignty over victory. Translators consistently render romach as "spear," preserving its concrete, martial imagery without adding abstract layers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word romach refers to a thrusting spear, a primary weapon in ancient warfare used for close combat. In the Old Testament, it appears seven times, often highlighting military strength or divine judgment through war. For instance, Phinehas took up a spear in Numbers 25:7 to stop a plague, showing how this weapon was central to both conflict and decisive action.
While less common than swords, the spear carries symbolic weight, representing the danger of battle and God’s sovereignty over victory. It reminds us that physical conflict was a reality in ancient Israelite society. The presence of spears in historical books underscores the seriousness of these events and the need for divine guidance in times of strife.
Understanding romach helps us appreciate the concrete imagery of Scripture, where weapons like spears are not just tools of war but also symbols of God's control over history. It invites reflection on how we navigate our own battles, trusting in God's ultimate authority and protection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ spears2×
- the/ spears1×
- spear1×
- and/ with <the>/ lances1×
- and/ a spear1×
- a spear1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֹ֥מַח1×
- רֹ֖מַח1×
- וּ/רְמָחִים֙1×
- וּ/רְמָחִ֔ים1×
- וּ/בָֽ/רְמָחִ֑ים1×
- וָ/רֹ֔מַח1×
- הָֽ/רְמָחִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 25:7
When Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from the middle of the congregation, and took a spear in his hand.
Phinehas uses a spear to stop a plague, showing the weapon's role in decisive action.
-
Judges 5:8
They chose new gods. Then war was in the gates. Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?
The absence of spears among Israelites highlights their vulnerability and reliance on God.
-
II Chronicles 11:12
He put shields and spears in every city, and made them exceedingly strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.
Spear preparation in fortified cities reflects Judah's military readiness under Rehoboam.