### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7213}}` רָאַם (râʼam) is identified as a primitive root carrying the core meaning "to rise" or "to be lifted up." This fundamental definition suggests an upward movement, elevation, or an ascent. As a primitive root, it denotes a foundational concept within the Hebrew lexicon, even if its direct verbal forms are exceedingly rare or not attested in the Masoretic Text. The semantic range, therefore, primarily points to actions or states involving elevation, whether physical (e.g., rising in stature, height) or potentially metaphorical (e.g., being exalted, prominent). It conveys the idea of something moving from a lower to a higher position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While `{{H7213}}` is defined as a primitive root meaning "to rise" or "be lifted up," direct verbal occurrences of this specific root in the Masoretic Text are not found. Instead, `{{H7213}}` is primarily attested in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun, "Ram" (רָם), the name of an individual. For example, [[Ruth 4:19]] mentions "Ram the father of Amminadab," and [[1 Chronicles 2:9]] and [[1 Chronicles 2:10]] also list Ram as a son of Hezron and an ancestor in the lineage of David. The use of this root as a proper noun, "Ram," which itself means "high" or "exalted," strongly suggests that the underlying verbal concept of "rising" or "being lifted up" informed the naming convention. Names in ancient Israel often carried significant meaning, reflecting character, circumstances, or aspirations. Thus, "Ram" likely embodies the idea of being elevated or prominent, drawing from the inherent meaning of the primitive root `{{H7213}}`. Therefore, while not appearing as an active verb, the conceptual meaning of `{{H7213}}` is implicitly present in the proper noun, indicating a state of being high or exalted.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "rising" or "being lifted up" is central to many other Hebrew roots and words, suggesting a shared semantic field. Most notably, `{{H7311}}` רוּם (rûm) is a very common and robust root meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." This root is used extensively for physical height, spiritual exaltation, and divine elevation (e.g., God is "exalted"). The semantic overlap with `{{H7213}}` is clear, and it is possible that `{{H7213}}` represents a very ancient or less common variant, or a foundational concept from which `{{H7311}}` developed. Other related concepts include:
* `{{H5375}}` נָשָׂא (nāśāʼ): "to lift, carry, bear." While often implying carrying a burden, it also includes the sense of lifting up hands in prayer or lifting up one's voice.
* `{{H5927}}` עָלָה (ʻālāh): "to go up, ascend." This root describes movement upward, whether of people, smoke, or offerings.
The connection of `{{H7213}}` to a proper noun "Ram" also links it to the broader theme of lineage and prominence within biblical narratives.
### Theological Significance
Although `{{H7213}}` does not appear as an active verb in the Bible, its foundational meaning "to rise; be lifted up" carries profound theological implications, particularly when considered in relation to other roots like `{{H7311}}` (rûm) that express elevation.
* **Divine Exaltation:** The concept of "being lifted up" is frequently applied to God, signifying His supreme sovereignty, majesty, and transcendence. He is the "Most High" (e.g., `{{H5945}}` עֶלְיוֹן, ʻelyôn). While `{{H7213}}` itself doesn't describe God's exaltation, it contributes to the broader lexical field that articulates God's elevated status above all creation.
* **Human Elevation (Positive):** In a positive sense, "being lifted up" can signify divine favor, blessing, or restoration. God "lifts up" the humble ([[Psalm 113:7]]), raises up leaders ([[1 Samuel 2:7]]), or restores His people from a fallen state. This speaks to God's redemptive power and His ability to elevate individuals or nations to a position of honor or strength.
* **Human Elevation (Negative):** Conversely, "being lifted up" can also denote pride or arrogance, where humans elevate themselves against God or others ([[Proverbs 16:18]]). This self-exaltation is consistently condemned in Scripture as leading to a fall.
* **Messianic Implications:** The idea of "being lifted up" also finds significant expression in Messianic prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. Jesus spoke of being "lifted up" in connection with His crucifixion and subsequent glorification ([[John 3:14]], [[John 12:32]]). This paradoxical elevation through suffering is central to Christian theology, demonstrating God's path to exaltation through humility and sacrifice.
The conceptual presence of `{{H7213}}` within the biblical lexicon, even if primarily through a proper noun, underscores the pervasive biblical theme of elevation – whether divine, human (for good or ill), or redemptive.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7213}}` רָאַם (râʼam) is defined as a primitive root meaning "to rise" or "to be lifted up," denoting an upward movement or elevation. While direct verbal attestations of `{{H7213}}` are absent in the Masoretic Text, its conceptual meaning is preserved and implicitly understood through its primary biblical occurrence as the proper noun "Ram," a name signifying "high" or "exalted." This suggests that the root's core meaning informed the naming convention, indicating prominence or elevated status. The semantic field of `{{H7213}}` overlaps significantly with more frequently used roots like `{{H7311}}` (rûm, "to be high, exalted") and `{{H5927}}` (ʻālāh, "to ascend"), all contributing to the pervasive biblical theme of elevation. Theologically, the concept of "being lifted up" is critical, encompassing God's supreme exaltation, His power to elevate the humble, the dangers of human pride, and the profound Messianic significance of Christ's "lifting up" on the cross leading to His ultimate glorification. Thus, even as a rare root, `{{H7213}}` contributes to a fundamental and multifaceted biblical concept.
TRV