a primitive root (compare רֶגֶב, רוּעַ, רָקַם); to cast together (stones), i.e. to lapidate; [idiom] certainly, stone.
Transliteration:râgam
Pronunciation:raw-gam'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H7275 (רָגַם, *râgam*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the forceful application of stones. Its primary definition is "to cast together (stones)," which directly leads to the act of "lapidate," meaning to stone someone to death. This implies not merely throwing a single stone, but an act involving multiple stones, often by multiple individuals, indicating a collective and decisive action. The comparison to `{{H7276}}` (רֶגֶב, *regev*, "clod of earth") suggests a connection to lumps or masses, reinforcing the idea of solid objects being used. The implied idiom "certainly, stone" underscores the definitive and often fatal nature of the action. While the root `{{H7321}}` (רוּעַ, *rua*, "to shout, break") and `{{H7551}}` (רָקַם, *raqam*, "to variegate, embroider") are listed for comparison, the semantic range of H7275 remains tightly focused on the use of stones for punishment or assault.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H7275 appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts almost exclusively related to severe punishment or violent assault involving stones.
In the Mosaic Law, H7275 is used to describe the execution of capital punishment for grave offenses. For instance, in [[Leviticus 24:23]], after a man blasphemes the name of the Lord, the command is given: "And Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and they brought out the blasphemer from the camp and stoned him with stones." This passage highlights the judicial and communal nature of stoning as a means of purging evil from the midst of the congregation, a public act of upholding divine justice.
Beyond judicial contexts, H7275 also depicts acts of violent assault or divine judgment:
* In [[2 Samuel 16:6]] and [[2 Samuel 16:13]], Shimei curses King David and actively "casts stones" (וַיְרַגֵּם בָּאֲבָנִים) at him and his servants. This is not a judicial act but an expression of profound contempt, rebellion, and personal assault, demonstrating the verb's use for non-judicial, yet highly aggressive, stone-throwing.
* The prophetic books of Ezekiel employ H7275 metaphorically to describe God's severe judgment against unfaithful Israel (personified as Oholah and Oholibah). In [[Ezekiel 16:40]], God declares concerning Jerusalem: "They will also bring up a company against you and stone you with stones and cut you to pieces with their swords." Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 23:47]], describing the judgment on Oholah and Oholibah: "And the company shall stone them with stones and cut them to pieces with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters, and burn up their houses with fire." Here, stoning represents the brutal and destructive consequences of divine wrath, often executed through foreign armies, signifying utter devastation and public disgrace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct conceptual relation to H7275 is `{{H68}}` (אֶבֶן, *'even*), the Hebrew word for "stone," which is almost invariably the object or instrument of the action of *râgam*. The act of stoning is a specific form of capital punishment, linking it to broader concepts of `{{H4191}}` (מוּת, *mut*, "to die") and `{{H2026}}` (הָרַג, *harag*, "to kill").
Other related concepts include:
* **Capital Punishment:** Stoning was a prescribed method for offenses like blasphemy ([[Leviticus 24:16]]), idolatry ([[Deuteronomy 17:5]]), adultery ([[Deuteronomy 22:24]]), and sabbath-breaking ([[Numbers 15:35-36]]).
* **Community Involvement:** The Law often required the "hands of all the congregation" or "witnesses" to be first in laying hands on the condemned, emphasizing corporate responsibility and the purging of evil from the community's midst.
* **Public Shaming/Disgrace:** The public nature of stoning, often outside the camp or city, served as a deterrent and a public declaration of the offender's disgrace and expulsion from the community.
* **Divine Justice/Wrath:** In prophetic contexts, stoning becomes a powerful image of God's righteous judgment against sin and covenant infidelity, executed by various means.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7275 is profound, particularly within the framework of the Mosaic Covenant. Stoning, as a divinely sanctioned form of capital punishment, underscored the absolute seriousness of certain transgressions against God's law. It was not merely a means of execution but a ritualized act of purification, designed to remove defilement from the community and avert divine wrath. The participation of the entire assembly in stoning (or at least the witnesses) highlighted the corporate responsibility of Israel to uphold God's holiness and to purge evil from their midst, ensuring the purity of the covenant people.
Furthermore, H7275 serves as a potent symbol of ultimate condemnation and rejection. In the prophetic literature, particularly Ezekiel, the imagery of being "stoned" by God's instruments of judgment vividly portrays the devastating consequences of spiritual idolatry and unfaithfulness. It signifies a complete and violent shattering of the relationship, resulting in utter destruction and disgrace. The act of stoning, whether by human hand in obedience to the Law or by divine orchestration as punishment, consistently points to a definitive and often fatal judgment against severe transgression. It is a stark reminder of the holiness of God and the severe repercussions of sin.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H7275 (רָגַם, *râgam*) denotes the act of "stoning" or "lapidating," involving the casting of multiple stones, typically with lethal intent. Its primary biblical usage is found in the context of capital punishment prescribed by the Mosaic Law, where stoning served as a public, communal execution for severe offenses, emphasizing the purging of evil and the maintenance of covenant purity. Beyond judicial execution, H7275 also describes acts of violent assault and, most significantly, functions as a powerful metaphor for God's severe and destructive judgment against unfaithful Israel in prophetic literature. Across its occurrences, H7275 consistently signifies ultimate condemnation, public disgrace, and the decisive application of force, underscoring the gravity of sin and the consequences of divine wrath.
TRV