### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7268 (רַגָּז - raggâz) is an intensive form derived from the root verb H7264 (רָגַז - ragaz), which signifies "to tremble, quake, be agitated, be disturbed, or be angry." As an intensive form, raggâz suggests a heightened or persistent state of this agitation, fear, or trembling. Its base definition encompasses both "timid" (referring to an internal disposition of fear or apprehension) and "trembling" (describing the physical manifestation of such an emotional state). Thus, the semantic range extends from a profound internal disturbance or fearfulness to its outward, involuntary expression. It characterizes someone who is deeply unsettled or who causes a state of profound disquiet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7268 (raggâz) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly significant for understanding its nuance:
* **[[Isaiah 14:9]]**: "Sheol from beneath is excited about you, to meet you at your coming; it stirs up the dead for you, all the *raggâz* of the earth; it raises from their thrones all the kings of the nations."
In this verse, raggâz is part of a powerful taunt song directed against the king of Babylon, depicting his descent into Sheol. The context describes the underworld being stirred to meet him, with deceased kings rising from their thrones. The term raggâz here is often translated as "chief ones," "great ones," "leaders," or "princes" (e.g., KJV "chief ones," ESV "leaders," NASB "chief ones"). The Septuagint renders it as "giants" (γίγαντες). Given the surrounding context of "kings of the nations," raggâz likely refers to powerful, formidable figures who, in their earthly lives, caused others to tremble or were themselves objects of fear and awe. The irony is profound: those who once held sway and instilled fear are now themselves stirred up and agitated in the realm of the dead, subject to the summons of Sheol. The intensive nature of raggâz underscores a deep, unsettling disturbance, even in the afterlife, for those who once wielded immense power.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **H7264 (רָגַז - ragaz)**: The root verb from which H7268 is derived. It means "to tremble, quake, be agitated, be disturbed, be angry." raggâz intensifies this meaning, pointing to a consistent or profound state of such agitation.
* **H7265 (רֹגֶז - rogez)**: A noun also derived from the same root, meaning "agitation, trembling, disquiet, wrath." This refers to the state or act of trembling or agitation itself.
* **Fear and Dread**: Concepts such as H3372 (יָרֵא - yare') (to fear, be afraid) and H6342 (פָּחַד - pachad) (to dread, be in terror) are semantically related, as raggâz describes an individual characterized by or experiencing intense fear or agitation.
* **Power and Authority**: In the specific context of [[Isaiah 14:9]], raggâz paradoxically describes those who once possessed great authority and caused others to tremble, but are now themselves subject to a greater power—death and divine judgment. This highlights the transient nature of human power versus ultimate divine sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The singular, powerful use of H7268 (raggâz) in [[Isaiah 14:9]] carries significant theological weight.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Human Power**: The primary theological implication is the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. The "raggâz" of the earth, those who once commanded fear and seemingly held the world in their grasp, are depicted as being stirred up and agitated in Sheol. This vividly illustrates that no human authority, no matter how formidable, can escape divine judgment or the ultimate dominion of death. God's power is supreme, bringing low even the most terrifying of rulers.
* **Humiliation of Pride and Arrogance**: The context of the taunt against the king of Babylon directly addresses the downfall of human pride. The "raggâz" are brought to a state of profound humiliation, demonstrating that arrogance and self-exaltation are ultimately met with divine reckoning. Their former ability to cause trembling is inverted; they are now the ones disturbed.
* **The Reality of Sheol and Judgment**: The passage underscores the biblical understanding of Sheol not merely as a passive resting place, but as a realm where the dead, including powerful rulers, are subject to a divine summons and where their earthly status is utterly nullified. The agitation of the "raggâz" in Sheol emphasizes the inescapable nature of death and the ultimate accountability before God.
### Summary
H7268 (רַגָּז - raggâz) is an intensive derivative of H7264 (ragaz), signifying a state of profound timidity, fear, or persistent agitation. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Isaiah 14:9]] is highly evocative, referring to the powerful "chief ones" or "leaders" of the earth. These are individuals who, despite their former might and ability to cause others to tremble, are now themselves stirred up and agitated in Sheol. This singular usage powerfully conveys the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all human power and pride, demonstrating that even those who once commanded fear are ultimately subject to divine judgment and the inescapable reality of death. The word, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of earthly might in the face of eternal divine authority and the ultimate humbling of human arrogance.
TRV