### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râgash**, represented by `{{H7283}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to be tumultuous; rage**. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use captures a powerful image of collective, chaotic uproar.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7283}}` is in [[Psalms 2:1]], which asks, "Why do the heathen rage...?" In this verse, the word describes the tumultuous and hostile activity of the nations. This rage is immediately paralleled with the "people" who "imagine a vain thing," linking the tumultuous action directly to a futile or worthless purpose. The context frames this rage not as righteous anger, but as a pointless rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single biblical context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (heathen, nation, people): The subject of the "rage" in [[Psalms 2:1]] is the "heathen." This word refers to a foreign nation or Gentile, establishing that the tumult is from those in opposition.
* `{{H3816}}` **lᵉʼôm** (nation, people): Used in parallel with "heathen," this word describes the "people" engaged in a similarly futile act. This term refers to a community or nation.
* `{{H1897}}` **hâgâh** (imagine, meditate, mutter): This is the action paired with the rage. While it can mean "meditate," in the context of [[Psalms 2:1]], it carries the sense of pondering or imagining something worthless.
* `{{H7385}}` **rîyq** (vain thing, vanity): This word defines the object of the people's plotting as "emptiness" or a "worthless thing," underscoring the futility of their tumultuous rage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7283}}` is concentrated entirely in its context within [[Psalms 2:1]].
* **Futile Rebellion:** The primary concept communicated by **râgash** is the pointless and chaotic opposition of the nations. The question "Why... rage?" frames the activity as irrational and without a legitimate foundation.
* **Collective Uproar:** The word describes the rage of the "heathen" `{{H1471}}`, highlighting a widespread, collective insurgency rather than the anger of a single person.
* **Opposition to Divine Authority:** The rage described in [[Psalms 2:1]] is implicitly directed against a higher power. This action, when paired with imagining a "vain thing" `{{H7385}}`, portrays a rebellion that is destined to fail.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7283}}` **râgash** is a highly specific term for a tumultuous and chaotic rage. Though used only once, its placement in [[Psalms 2:1]] gives it significant weight, defining the pointless uproar of the nations. It vividly illustrates the biblical perspective on humanity's collective rebellion, framing it as a disorderly and ultimately empty endeavor.
TRV