The Hebrew word râgam, represented by H7275, is a primitive root meaning to cast together (stones), i.e. to lapidate. Its usage as an idiom can mean to certainly stone. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible, primarily describing a form of communal capital punishment.
In biblical law and narrative, H7275 is the specific action of executing judgment by stoning. It is the prescribed punishment for grave offenses against the covenant community. For instance, giving one's seed to Molech requires that "the people of the land shall stone him with stones" Leviticus 20:2. Blaspheming the name of the LORD results in the command that "all the congregation shall certainly stone him" Leviticus 24:16. The word is also used to describe acts of rebellion, such as when all Israel stoned Adoram, king Rehoboam's tribute collector, which resulted in his death 1 Kings 12:18.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of this severe action:
- H5619 çâqal (to stone): A closely related term, sometimes used interchangeably with râgam. In the account of Achan, Israel first stoned him with stones (using H7275) and then stoned them with stones (using H5619), highlighting the comprehensive nature of the judgment Joshua 7:25.
- H68 'eben (a stone): This word identifies the instrument of execution. The use of râgam is almost always paired with 'eben, as seen in the command to "stone him with stones" Numbers 15:35.
- H4191 mûwth (to die): This word describes the intended outcome of being stoned. An offense like being a wizard or having a familiar spirit leads to the sentence, "they shall stone them with stones," a punishment that is synonymous with being "surely put to death" Leviticus 20:27.
- H8313 sâraph (to burn up): In some cases, stoning is followed by burning, indicating an even greater level of judgment and destruction, as seen when Israel stoned Achan's family and possessions and then "burned them with fire" Joshua 7:25.
The theological weight of H7275 is significant, revealing key principles of the Old Testament law.
- Execution of Divine Justice: Stoning was not random violence but a formal, legal sentence commanded by God for sins that threatened the holiness and integrity of Israel. This is seen in the direct command from the LORD regarding blasphemy: "he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him" Leviticus 24:16.
- Corporate Responsibility: The act of stoning was typically carried out by the entire community, such as "all the congregation" Numbers 15:35 or "all the men of his city" Deuteronomy 21:21. This demonstrated collective responsibility for upholding the covenant and purging sin from their midst.
- Purging Evil: The purpose of this punishment was often explicitly stated as removing evil from the nation. After a rebellious son is stoned, the text clarifies the intent: "so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear" Deuteronomy 21:21.
In summary, H7275 is a powerful and specific term for death by stoning. It functions primarily as the method for carrying out judicial sentences for the most severe sins under the Mosaic Law. The act of râgam was a communal responsibility, intended to execute God's judgment, purify the nation of evil, and serve as a fearsome deterrent against covenant-breaking behavior.
TRV