### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Rhamâ**, represented by `{{G4471}}`, is a proper noun referring to **Rama**, a place in Palestine. It is noted as being of Hebrew origin. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the New Testament, making its single appearance highly specific in its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical use of `{{G4471}}` is in Matthew's Gospel, where **Rama** is identified as the location of profound grief. The verse states, "**In** **Rama** was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning" [[Matthew 2:18]]. This passage connects the place with an audible expression of sorrow, specifically identifying **Rachel** `{{G4478}}` as the one weeping for her children who "are not". The location itself becomes synonymous with this specific, inconsolable loss.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{G4471}}` in its only scriptural context, deepening the scene of sorrow:
* `{{G5456}}` **phōnḗ** (voice): This word signifies a **tone** or **sound**. In Rama, it is a **voice** of grief that is heard [[Matthew 2:18]]. It is also the term used for the Father's **voice** from heaven [[2 Peter 1:17]] and the **voice** of the Lord that his sheep hear [[John 10:27]].
* `{{G2805}}` **klauthmós** (weeping, wailing): Defined as **lamentation**, this word appears in Rama to describe the audible sorrow [[Matthew 2:18]]. It is frequently associated with the "gnashing of teeth" in descriptions of judgment ([[Matthew 8:12]], [[Matthew 13:42]]).
* `{{G4478}}` **Rhachḗl** (Rachel): This proper name refers to **Rachel, the wife of Jacob**. In the context of Rama, she is the one weeping for her children, symbolizing the depth of the maternal and national grief [[Matthew 2:18]].
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (be comforted): Meaning **to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)**. The verse states that Rachel "would not **be comforted**," highlighting the finality of her loss [[Matthew 2:18]]. Elsewhere, the word is used to **beseech** believers [[Romans 12:1]] and promises that those who mourn shall **be comforted** [[Matthew 5:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4471}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful appearance in scripture.
* **A Landmark of Suffering:** Rama is established in the narrative as a geographic marker for a moment of intense and tragic suffering. The "voice" heard there is one of "lamentation," "weeping," and "great mourning," fixing the location's identity to this event [[Matthew 2:18]].
* **Embodiment of Inconsolable Loss:** The scene is defined by Rachel weeping for her children "because they are not" [[Matthew 2:18]]. Her refusal to **be comforted** `{{G3870}}` makes Rama a symbol of a grief so profound that it cannot be assuaged by ordinary means.
* **The Human Condition of Grief:** The event in Rama illustrates a poignant aspect of the human condition. The explicit mention that comfort was refused [[Matthew 2:18]] sets a scene of deep despair, which contrasts with other scriptural promises where those who mourn "shall be comforted" [[Matthew 5:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Rhamâ** `{{G4471}}` is a place name whose entire New Testament significance is contained within a single verse. Though it simply means **Rama**, its context in scripture permanently associates it with a scene of "great mourning" [[Matthew 2:18]]. It is not just a geographical location but a memorial to inconsolable sorrow, represented by Rachel's weeping. The word serves as a potent reminder of the depths of human grief recorded within the biblical narrative.
TRV