### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun *qîymâh* (`{{H7012}}`) is derived from the highly significant verbal root *qûm* (`{{H6965}}`), which fundamentally means "to rise," "stand up," "arise," or "establish." As a feminine noun, *qîymâh* specifically denotes the *act* or *state* of rising, an "arising" or "rising up." Its semantic core captures the transition from a lower or inactive state to an upright or active one. While its root *qûm* has a broad semantic range encompassing physical actions, the establishment of covenants, or even resurrection, *qîymâh* focuses more narrowly on the dynamic process or instance of elevation, often implying readiness for action, or in some contexts, opposition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *qîymâh* (`{{H7012}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance:
* **[[Deuteronomy 28:7]]**: "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise up against you (קִימָה) to be defeated before you." Here, *qîymâh* is used in a context of warfare and divine intervention. It refers to the aggressive act of "rising up" by hostile forces. The phrase "your enemies, their rising up" (קִימָה) denotes an active, potentially threatening stance, implying readiness for conflict or attack. This verse is part of a series of blessings and curses, where the Lord promises victory over adversaries for obedience, highlighting divine protection against those who oppose His people.
* **[[Psalm 139:2]]**: "You know my sitting down and my rising up (קִימָה); you understand my thoughts from afar." In this deeply personal and reflective psalm, *qîymâh* refers to the everyday, mundane act of rising from a seated or recumbent position. Paired with "sitting down," it encompasses the full scope of the psalmist's daily physical activities and transitions. This usage underscores God's omniscience and intimate knowledge of every detail of human life, from the most routine physical movements to the deepest internal thoughts, emphasizing His pervasive awareness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H6965}}` *qûm* (קוּם):** The foundational verbal root from which *qîymâh* is derived. *Qûm* is one of the most frequently occurring verbs in the Hebrew Bible, conveying a wide array of meanings including physical rising (from sleep, from a seat, from the dead), standing firm, enduring, establishing (a covenant, a promise), or fulfilling (a word). *Qîymâh* is a specific nominalization of this dynamic action.
* **`{{H4720}}` *miqom* (מִקוֹם):** A noun meaning "place" or "standing place," also derived from *qûm*, emphasizing the location where one stands or rises.
* **`{{H6966}}` *qomem* (קוֹמֵם):** A Piel form of *qûm*, meaning "to raise up," "to restore," or "to rebuild," often implying re-establishment or revival.
* **Concepts of Opposition/Adversary:** In contexts like [[Deuteronomy 28:7]], *qîymâh* is intrinsically linked to the idea of an enemy's hostile posture, readiness for battle, and the challenge they present.
* **Concepts of Omniscience/Divine Awareness:** In [[Psalm 139:2]], it contributes to the broader theme of God's absolute and intimate knowledge of every aspect of human existence, from the most basic bodily movements to the most complex thoughts.
### Theological Significance
The limited but significant occurrences of *qîymâh* (`{{H7012}}`) offer two distinct yet profound theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Adversaries:** In [[Deuteronomy 28:7]], *qîymâh* highlights God's absolute sovereignty over those who "rise up" against His people. The promise that the Lord will cause these hostile "arisings" to be defeated underscores the theological truth that no human or demonic opposition can ultimately thwart God's purposes or overcome His protective hand over the faithful. It speaks to God's power, justice, and the ultimate futility of evil's attempts to prevail against His established order.
* **God's Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge:** [[Psalm 139:2]] presents *qîymâh* in a context of divine omniscience. "You know my sitting down and my rising up" reveals a God who is not distant but intimately acquainted with every detail of human existence. This speaks to God's immanence, His personal engagement with His creation, and the inescapable presence of His knowledge. It fosters a sense of awe at His pervasive awareness and offers comfort in the knowledge that every moment of life, no matter how mundane, is known and seen by Him.
* **The Totality of Life Before God:** The pairing of "sitting down" and "rising up" in [[Psalm 139:2]] serves as a merism, signifying the entire spectrum of human activity and existence. Theologically, it implies that every moment, every transition, every action, and indeed the entirety of one's life, is open to God's gaze and falls within His comprehensive knowledge and care. There is no aspect of life hidden from Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew term *qîymâh* (`{{H7012}}`), derived from the root *qûm* (`{{H6965}}`), denotes "an arising" or "rising up." Despite its rare appearance in the Hebrew Bible, its two occurrences convey significant theological truths. In [[Deuteronomy 28:7]], *qîymâh* describes the hostile "rising up" of enemies, emphasizing God's sovereign power to defeat all opposition against His people. Conversely, in [[Psalm 139:2]], it refers to the mundane "rising up" of an individual, symbolizing, alongside "sitting down," the totality of daily life, thereby illustrating God's intimate and comprehensive omniscience over every detail of human existence. Thus, *qîymâh* encapsulates both the formidable challenge of adversaries and the comforting reality of God's all-knowing presence, affirming His ultimate control over all circumstances and His personal involvement in the lives of His creation.
TRV