רָסִיס (ra.sis)
ra.sis
drop; fragment
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rasis refers to a small, detached piece of something, translating primarily as either a "fragment" or a "drop." Its meaning shifts depending on context, describing broken shards of material in one instance and tiny beads of liquid in another. This duality captures the essence of something that has been separated from a larger whole.
In Amos 6:11, the term describes fragments of stone, illustrating the destruction of fortified walls where large structures are reduced to scattered debris. Conversely, in Song of Solomon 5:2, it depicts drops of dew on hair, evoking an image of delicate, natural moisture. The word highlights the contrast between the roughness of ruin and the softness of nature.
Though rare, appearing only twice in Scripture, rasis serves as a precise descriptor for small units of matter. It reminds readers that both destruction and beauty can be found in the smallest details, whether they are pieces of broken masonry or glistening droplets.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rasis describes something small that has been separated from a larger whole. It can mean a tiny drop of liquid or a fragment of broken material. This duality shows how Scripture uses simple, concrete images to convey deep truths about both destruction and intimacy.
In Amos 6:11, the word paints a picture of judgment where strong walls are reduced to scattered debris. Yet in Song of Solomon 5:2, it captures the gentle dew on hair, symbolising care and closeness. Both uses remind us that God attends to the smallest details of our lives, whether in times of trial or moments of peace.
When you read this word, notice how God’s message often comes through ordinary things—a drop of water or a piece of stone. These small signs invite you to look closer at your own circumstances and find meaning in the quiet, everyday moments that shape your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fragments1×
- dewdrops of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְסִיסִ֑ים1×
- רְסִ֥יסֵי1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 5:2
I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night.”
This verse uses rasis to describe dew on hair, highlighting intimacy and gentle care rather than judgment.
-
Amos 6:11
“For, behold, Yahweh commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces, and the little house into bits.
Here the word signifies fragments of stone, illustrating how even strong structures can be broken by divine command.