רָשַׁשׁ (ra.shash)
ra.shash
to beat
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rashash carries a sharp, physical sense of striking or crushing something into pieces. It describes the act of beating down an object with force, resulting in its shattering or destruction. This is not a gentle breaking but a decisive impact that leaves the subject in fragments.
Scripture uses this word sparingly, appearing only twice in the provided data. In Jeremiah 51:20, it describes God’s action against Babylon, portraying Him as an instrument of war who beats down and shatters nations. Similarly, Malachi 4:1 (or 3:19) employs the form to depict the day of the Lord burning like a furnace, where the arrogant are reduced to ash—beaten down by divine judgment.
The term’s power lies in its finality. It conveys total subjugation through physical force. Whether applied to military conquest or eschatological judgment, rashash emphasizes the overwhelming strength of the actor and the complete ruin of the target.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rashash describes a forceful, decisive act of beating something down until it is shattered. It is not a gentle breaking but a powerful impact that leaves fragments behind. In the Bible, this term appears in contexts of judgment, showing how God deals with pride and opposition. It reminds us that no fortress or plan built on arrogance can withstand His authority.
For your faith, this word offers comfort rather than fear. It assures you that evil and oppression do not have the final say. When you face difficulties or see injustice in the world, remember that God is sovereign over all powers. He brings down what opposes His will, ensuring that truth and justice ultimately prevail.
This certainty allows us to rest in His protection. We do not need to fear the strength of enemies or the height of our own pride. God’s hand is firm, and His purposes are sure. You can trust that He will handle all that stands against what is right, leaving you free to live in peace under His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we have been shattered1×
- it will shatter1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֻשַּׁ֗שְׁנוּ1×
- יְרֹשֵׁ֞שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 5:17
They will eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat. They will eat up your flocks and your herds. They will eat up your vines and your fig trees. They will beat down your fortified cities in which you trust with the sword.
This verse uses the word to describe how invading armies will beat down fortified cities, showing that human defenses cannot stand against God's judgment.
-
Malachi 1:4
Whereas Edom says, “We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places,” Yahweh of Armies says, “They shall build, but I will throw down; and men will call them ‘The Wicked Land,’ even the people against whom Yahweh shows wrath forever.”
Here the term reflects Edom's claim of being beaten down, yet Yahweh declares He will throw down what they try to rebuild, highlighting His ultimate control over nations.