רַמִּי (ram.mi)
ram.mi
Syrian
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The word rammi is a Hebrew adjective meaning Syrian, referring to an inhabitant or native of Aram. It functions as a gentilic, describing people from that specific region rather than the land itself. The term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Chronicles 35:20, where it identifies the king of Egypt as coming from the Syrian sphere or being associated with Aram.
Etymologically, rammi is a variant spelling of the more common form arami (H0758). Both derive from the noun Aram, which some sources suggest carries the sense of "exalted." While the distinction between these spellings is minor, rammi serves as a precise identifier in historical narratives. Its single occurrence anchors it firmly in the context of ancient geopolitical relationships, specifically noting the origin or affiliation of foreign leaders interacting with Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rammi appears just once in Scripture, identifying a Syrian connection in the life of King Jehoshaphat’s son, Ahaziah. In 2 Chronicles 22:5, it describes the conflict involving Hazael, king of Syria, and the wounded King Joram. This single mention highlights how ancient geopolitical alliances often pulled God’s people into dangerous political entanglements.
For your faith today, this word serves as a quiet reminder of the costs of compromising with hostile powers. When leaders sought military support from Israel rather than trusting in God’s protection, they faced severe consequences. It invites us to examine where we might be seeking security in human alliances instead of divine provision.
Ultimately, this historical detail points to the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty over nations. Even when His people stumble into complex international conflicts, God remains the ultimate ruler of history. We can find comfort knowing that our true safety lies not in political maneuvering, but in faithful reliance on the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Arameans1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/רַמִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 22:5
He also followed their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
This verse uses rammi to contextualize the military alliance and subsequent injury of King Joram by Hazael, illustrating the tangible dangers of political entanglement.