feminine passive participle of רָאַם; raised; Reumah, a Syrian woman; Reumah.
Transliteration:Rᵉʼûwmâh
Pronunciation:reh-oo-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
H7208 (רְאוּמָה, Rᵉʼûwmâh) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, specifically a feminine passive participle. Its etymological root is implicit in the definition: it is derived from the verb רָאַם (ra'am), though this root itself is not frequently attested in the Hiphil or Hophal stems to convey "raising" in the sense implied here. The core meaning assigned to Rᵉʼûwmâh is "raised." As a passive participle, it denotes "she who has been raised" or "the one who is exalted/lifted up." In its sole biblical occurrence, it functions exclusively as an anthroponym (personal name), identifying a specific individual rather than conveying an abstract concept. Therefore, its semantic range is restricted to its use as a proper noun.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Rᵉʼûwmâh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Genesis:
* [[Genesis 22:24]]: "And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maacah."
In this context, Reumah is identified as a concubine of Nahor, Abraham's brother. She is listed as the mother of four of Nahor's children: Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maacah. This verse is part of a genealogical record, detailing the descendants of Nahor, which serves to further delineate the family tree of Abraham and his wider kin. The inclusion of Reumah and her children contributes to the comprehensive nature of the patriarchal narratives, highlighting the various branches that emerged from Abraham's immediate family. As a proper noun within a genealogy, the primary function of Rᵉʼûwmâh is identification. While the meaning "raised" might subtly allude to her status or perhaps a hopeful aspiration associated with her, its direct impact on the narrative is to name an individual within a lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation for Rᵉʼûwmâh is to the inferred root רָאַם (ra'am), from which it is derived as a feminine passive participle. While the specific verbal forms that would directly yield "raised" are not common for this particular root in the biblical corpus, the etymology is clear from the Strong's definition. Conceptually, Rᵉʼûwmâh connects to the broader theme of "raising" or "exalting" (e.g., `{{H7311}}` רוּם, rum; `{{H5375}}` נָשָׂא, nasa'), though these are distinct lexical roots. The passive sense of being "raised" could, in a broader theological sense, point to God's sovereign hand in establishing individuals and lineages. As a proper noun within a genealogy, Rᵉʼûwmâh also relates to other biblical names whose meanings carry significance, whether as expressions of hope, divine favor, or descriptive characteristics. However, the primary link remains its specific etymological root.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Rᵉʼûwmâh is primarily indirect, stemming from her inclusion in the biblical genealogical record. As a concubine of Nahor, she represents a branch of Abraham's extended family that is not part of the direct line of promise through Isaac. Her presence underscores the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, which often include individuals and lineages that are not central to the main redemptive narrative but contribute to the broader historical and familial context. This demonstrates the Bible's comprehensive scope in documenting the origins and relationships of peoples. While her name, "raised," does not carry explicit theological weight in the narrative, it can be seen as a subtle reminder of the divine ordering of human affairs and the establishment of families, even those outside the immediate covenant line. God's providential care extends to all individuals and their descendants, even if their specific roles are not directly tied to the unfolding of salvation history. Ultimately, Reumah's significance lies in her contribution to the genealogical tapestry that sets the stage for the narrative of Israel and the nations.
### Summary
H7208 (רְאוּמָה, Rᵉʼûwmâh) is a feminine proper noun, functioning as a passive participle meaning "raised" or "she who has been exalted." Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Genesis 22:24]], where it identifies a concubine of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and the mother of four of his children. The word's primary role is genealogical, providing specific detail within the patriarchal narratives. While its etymological meaning "raised" is intriguing, it does not carry overt theological implications beyond its contribution to the comprehensive record of early biblical lineages, subtly reflecting the divine ordering of families in the broader human story.
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