or רוֹשׁ; (Deuteronomy 32:32), apparently the same as רֹאשׁ; a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents); gall, hemlock, poison, venom.
Transliteration:rôʼsh
Pronunciation:roshe
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word רֹאשׁ (transliterated as *rôʼsh* or *rosh*) primarily denotes a poisonous plant, specifically identified in the base definition as probably the poppy, due to its "conspicuous head" (a likely etymological link to `{{H7218}}`, meaning "head"). This literal meaning extends semantically to encompass "poison" generally, "gall," "hemlock," and "venom." The term captures the essence of something inherently toxic, bitter, and destructive. It often implies a substance that, when ingested or introduced, brings about suffering, illness, or death. The alternative spelling רוֹשׁ (transliterated *rôsh*), as seen in [[Deuteronomy 32:32]], confirms the shared identity and semantic range.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *rôʼsh* appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently conveying a sense of bitterness, toxicity, and judgment.
In [[Deuteronomy 32:32]], part of the Song of Moses, the vine of Sodom is described as having "grapes of gall, clusters of bitterness" (עֲנָבֵי רֹאשׁ, *'anavê ro'sh*). Here, *rôʼsh* signifies a poisonous fruit, symbolizing the moral corruption and destructive nature of the wicked.
[[Job 20:16]] uses *rôʼsh* to describe the "venom of asps" that the wicked will suck, emphasizing the deadly and inescapable consequences of their actions.
The prophetic books frequently employ *rôʼsh* to depict divine judgment and the bitter fruit of Israel's disobedience. In [[Jeremiah 8:14]], God threatens to give the people "poisonous water to drink" (מֵי רֹאשׁ, *mê ro'sh*) because they have sinned against Him. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 9:15]] and [[Jeremiah 23:15]] reiterate this judgment, often pairing *rôʼsh* with לַעֲנָה (`{{H3939}}`, "wormwood") to signify extreme bitterness and suffering due to their idolatry and false prophecy.
[[Lamentations 3:5]] and [[Lamentations 3:19]] describe the profound suffering of the exiled people, stating that God has "filled me with bitterness" (הִשְׂבִּיעַנִי רֹאשׁ, *hisbi'ani ro'sh*) and made them "drink wormwood and gall" (רֹאשׁ וְלַעֲנָה, *ro'sh v'la'anah*). These passages highlight the depth of affliction experienced as a consequence of national sin.
[[Hosea 10:4]] speaks of judgment springing up "like poisonous weeds" (כְּרֹאשׁ, *k'ro'sh*) in the furrows of the field, illustrating how injustice and unrighteousness yield a bitter harvest.
Finally, [[Amos 6:12]] poses a rhetorical question: "Does one plow with oxen? Or does one sow the sea with horses? For you have turned justice into poison" (לְרֹאשׁ, *l'ro'sh*), emphasizing the perversion of righteousness into something deadly and corrupting.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H7218}}` (רֹאשׁ, *ro'sh*), which means "head," "top," or "chief." The base definition of `{{H7219}}` suggests an etymological link, implying the poisonous plant was named for its prominent "head." This connection subtly reinforces the idea that something outwardly conspicuous can be inwardly destructive.
Another crucial related term is `{{H3939}}` (לַעֲנָה, *la'anah*), "wormwood." These two words are frequently paired together (e.g., [[Jeremiah 9:15]], [[Lamentations 3:19]]), forming a powerful hendiadys that signifies extreme bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment. Wormwood itself is known for its bitter taste, and when combined with *rôʼsh*, the imagery intensifies to convey ultimate suffering and the dire consequences of disobedience.
Concepts associated with *rôʼsh* include: divine wrath, judgment, the bitter fruit of sin, corruption, injustice, and death. It stands in stark contrast to life, blessing, and the sweetness of God's covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *rôʼsh* lies primarily in its role as a vivid metaphor for the consequences of sin and the nature of divine judgment.
1. **Consequences of Disobedience:** *Rôʼsh* powerfully illustrates that turning away from God, embracing idolatry, or practicing injustice leads to a bitter and destructive outcome, much like ingesting poison. It underscores the principle of sowing and reaping: sin produces a harvest of suffering and death.
2. **Divine Judgment:** God is depicted as the one who administers this "poison" or "gall" as a just punishment for rebellion. This is not arbitrary cruelty but a righteous response to a people who have corrupted themselves. It signifies the severity and inevitability of God's judgment against sin.
3. **The Nature of Evil:** The imagery of poison highlights the insidious and corrupting nature of evil. Just as poison slowly or rapidly destroys the body, sin corrupts the soul and society, leading to spiritual and physical decay.
4. **Prophetic Warning:** The prophets utilize *rôʼsh* to issue urgent warnings, calling the people back to repentance before they are forced to drink the bitter cup of God's wrath. It serves as a stark reminder of the covenant curses for disobedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רֹאשׁ (*rôʼsh*, `{{H7219}}`) denotes a poisonous plant, likely the poppy, and extends its meaning to encompass general poison, gall, and venom. Biblically, it is consistently employed to symbolize extreme bitterness, suffering, and the destructive consequences of sin and disobedience. Frequently paired with "wormwood" (`{{H3939}}`, *la'anah*), it forms a potent image of divine judgment and the bitter fruit of rebellion against God. Theologically, *rôʼsh* serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable and severe repercussions of turning away from God's righteous path, underscoring the gravity of sin and the justice of divine wrath.
TRV