from קוּם; elevation, i.e. (adverbially) erectly (figuratively); upright.
Transliteration:qôwmᵉmîyûwth
Pronunciation:ko-mem-ee-yooth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word קוֹמְמִיּוּת (qôwmᵉmîyûwth, `{{H6968}}`) is a rare but potent term derived from the verbal root קוּם (quwm, `{{H6965}}`), which fundamentally means "to rise," "to stand up," "to establish," or "to confirm." Building upon this root, קוֹמְמִיּוּת conveys the sense of "elevation," "uprightness," or "erectness." It describes a posture of dignity, freedom, and unhindered movement, in stark contrast to being bowed down, oppressed, or enslaved. The adverbial nuance ("erectly") emphasizes the *manner* of standing or walking, figuratively extending to a state of being unburdened, confident, and free from subjugation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word קוֹמְמִיּוּת (`{{H6968}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[Leviticus 26:13]]. The context of [[Leviticus 26]] is crucial for understanding its profound meaning. This chapter outlines the blessings for covenant obedience and the curses for disobedience. In [[Leviticus 26:13]], God declares: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erectly (קוֹמְמִיּוּת)." Here, קוֹמְמִיּוּת is presented as a direct and glorious consequence of divine liberation from the oppressive slavery in Egypt. The "bars of your yoke" vividly depict the instruments of servitude that forced the Israelites into a bowed, subservient posture. God's act of breaking these bars allowed them to walk "erectly," signifying not merely a physical posture but a deep spiritual and national freedom. This single occurrence powerfully links physical posture with spiritual and national status, underscoring Yahweh's role as the Great Liberator who restores dignity and autonomy to His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the root verb קוּם (quwm, `{{H6965}}`), which is ubiquitous in the Hebrew Bible. It describes acts of rising (e.g., [[Genesis 19:1]]), standing (e.g., [[Genesis 23:3]]), establishing (e.g., [[Genesis 6:18]]), and even resurrection (e.g., [[Job 14:12]]). The noun קוֹמָה (qomah, `{{H6967}}`), also derived from קוּם, refers to "height" or "stature," further emphasizing the physical dimension of standing tall.
Concepts closely related to קוֹמְמִיּוּת include:
* **Freedom and Liberation:** As seen in its singular use, it is intrinsically tied to release from bondage.
* **Dignity and Honor:** To walk erectly is to walk with self-respect, not in shame or subjugation.
* **Prosperity and Blessing:** In the covenant context of [[Leviticus 26]], walking erectly is a hallmark of divine blessing, contrasting sharply with the bowed state of those under curse or oppression.
* **Restoration:** It speaks to a return to a proper, unhindered, and flourishing state of being.
* **Confidence and Security:** A person who walks erectly is not cowering in fear but displays assurance in their standing before God and others.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of קוֹמְמִיּוּת (`{{H6968}}`) in [[Leviticus 26:13]] carries immense theological weight, particularly within the framework of God's covenant with Israel.
* **Divine Deliverance:** It profoundly underscores Yahweh's identity as the God who delivers His people from all forms of bondage. His act of breaking the yoke is not merely physical but comprehensive, affecting their posture, their spirit, and their national identity.
* **Covenantal Blessing:** Walking "erectly" is presented as a direct and tangible result of obedience and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It signifies a state of well-being, security, and freedom that flows from a right relationship with the Almighty.
* **Contrast to Oppression:** The word starkly contrasts the desired state of a free people with that of slaves who are bowed down under a burdensome yoke. It serves as a powerful image of the restoration of human dignity through divine intervention.
* **Holistic Salvation:** The concept extends beyond mere physical freedom to encompass spiritual and psychological liberation. To walk erectly is to be free from the internal burdens of fear, shame, and servitude, allowing one to serve God with an unhindered spirit and an upright heart.
* **Aspiration for the Redeemed:** For the people of God, קוֹמְמִיּוּת represents the ideal state of redeemed humanity – standing tall in the grace and power of God, no longer enslaved by sin or human systems, but walking in the glorious freedom of His Spirit.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קוֹמְמִיּוּת (qôwmᵉmîyûwth, `{{H6968}}`), derived from קוּם (`{{H6965}}`) "to rise," signifies "erectness" or "uprightness." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Leviticus 26:13]] is profoundly significant. There, it describes the state of the Israelites after God liberated them from Egyptian slavery: "I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erectly." This powerful image transcends mere physical posture, symbolizing a comprehensive state of divine liberation, dignity, and freedom from oppression. It highlights God's role as the ultimate deliverer who restores His people to a position of honor and unhindered life, contrasting sharply with the bowed posture of servitude. Thus, קוֹמְמִיּוּת encapsulates the theological truth of God's holistic salvation, enabling His people to live in covenant blessing, free from all forms of bondage.
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