רִסָּה (ris.sah)
ris.sah
Rissah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ris sah, appearing only twice in the Old Testament, translates to "ruin" or "destruction." It serves as a proper name for one of the stopping places of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The term captures a sense of desolation, marking a location defined by its barren or devastated character rather than by settlement or prosperity.
This word is found in the genealogical lists of travel stations in Numbers 33:19 and 2 Chronicles 8:4. In these contexts, it functions as a geographical marker within a larger itinerary. The brevity of its usage highlights how specific locations in the biblical narrative often carry descriptive weight, with ris sah reminding readers of the harsh conditions faced by the people in that particular region.
Its occurrence in both the historical account of Numbers and the later chronicler’s record suggests it was a known landmark recognized across different periods of Israelite history. The name itself acts as a brief theological note within the travel logs, acknowledging the difficult terrain without elaborating on events that may have occurred there. It stands as a testament to the physical reality of the journey through lands described as ruined.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rissah appears only twice in Scripture, marking a campsite where the Israelites settled after leaving Libnah. It translates to ruin or destruction, describing a place defined by desolation rather than comfort. This brief mention reminds us that the journey through the wilderness was not always easy; there were times when the land offered little more than barren ground.
Yet even in these harsh locations, the people of God found rest. The text notes they encamped there, suggesting a pause for provision and safety amidst difficult terrain. This word invites us to consider our own seasons of transition. When we face environments that feel empty or challenging, we are not alone. The ancient travelers found their way through such places, guided by the same presence that sustains us today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Rissah1×
- at/ Rissah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/רִסָּ֑ה1×
- בְּ/רִסָּֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 33:21
They traveled from Libnah, and encamped in Rissah.
This verse marks the arrival at Rissah, highlighting the word's role in identifying a specific, desolate stopping point in the wilderness itinerary.
-
Numbers 33:22
They traveled from Rissah, and encamped in Kehelathah.
By mentioning departure from Rissah, this verse confirms its place as a temporary halt in the broader journey toward the Promised Land.