רָמֹם (ra.mam)
ra.mam
be exalted
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rāmôm means to be raised high or to stand in a position of honor. Although it appears only twice in the biblical text, its meaning is clear and consistent: it describes something being lifted up above the ordinary level. In these rare instances, the word focuses on the state of elevation rather than the action of lifting.
Its usage is confined to poetic books like Psalms and Job. Because the occurrences are so few, the word carries a sense of rarity and distinctiveness. It does not describe everyday height but rather a notable, often divine, elevation. The sources note its connection to the idea of being lifted up, which in biblical poetry often points to God’s majesty or the honor bestowed upon a person.
The root likely relates to concepts of height and prominence. In the few verses where it appears, such as in Job, it underscores the contrast between human limitation and divine supremacy. Translators typically render it as "exalted" or "lifted up," capturing both physical and metaphorical elevation. Its scarcity makes each appearance significant, drawing attention to the specific context of honor or power being highlighted.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rāmôm describes a state of being lifted high, often pointing to God’s majestic power or the temporary rise of human authority. In Psalm 118:16, it celebrates the right hand of Yahweh as exalted and active in valiant deeds. This reminds us that true strength comes from above, not from our own efforts.
Job 24:24 offers a sobering counterpoint, noting that even those who are exalted will eventually be taken away. This contrast helps us keep our perspective steady. When life feels unstable or when we see others rise and fall, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s power is constant.
Instead of chasing fleeting honor, we can look to the One who remains forever high. His strength supports us through every season, offering a hope that does not fade like human achievement.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are exalted1×
- [is] exalting1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רוֹמֵמָ֑ה1×
- ר֤וֹמּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 118:16
The right hand of Yahweh is exalted! The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!”
This verse uses the word to declare God's active and mighty power, showing that His exalted status is linked to His valiant deeds on behalf of His people.
-
Job 24:24
They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone. Yes, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.
Here the term highlights the temporary nature of human success, contrasting earthly elevation with the inevitable reality of decline and death.