(Aramaic) corresponding to רָגַשׁ; to gather tumultuously; assemble (together).
Transliteration:rᵉgash
Pronunciation:reg-ash'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) carries the core meaning of "to gather tumultuously" or "to assemble (together)." Its definition explicitly links it to the Hebrew râgash (`{{H7283}}`), indicating a shared semantic range that emphasizes not merely a simple gathering, but one characterized by commotion, agitation, or even hostile intent. The nuance of rᵉgash suggests a collective movement driven by strong emotion, often with an adversarial or conspiratorial undertone, implying a clamorous or agitated assembly rather than a peaceful congregation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) appears in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament. Its most notable occurrence is in [[Daniel 6:6]] (Aramaic 6:7), where it describes the "concourse" or "gathering" of the presidents and satraps who conspired against Daniel. The text states that these officials "came tumultuously" or "assembled with a clamor" to King Darius, seeking to entrap Daniel. The context clearly portrays a malicious and agitated assembly, united in their negative agenda against Daniel. This usage underscores the conspiratorial and hostile nature inherent in the word's meaning. While rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) itself is Aramaic, its semantic depth is further illuminated by its Hebrew cognate râgash (`{{H7283}}`), which in [[Psalm 2:1]] describes the nations "raging" or "tumultuously assembling" against the Lord and His Anointed, reinforcing the sense of a rebellious and agitated gathering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) is its Hebrew cognate, râgash (`{{H7283}}`). Both verbs stem from a common root conveying the idea of commotion or agitated movement. Semantically, rᵉgash overlaps with words denoting general "gathering" or "assembling" (e.g., qahal `{{H6951}}`, 'asaph `{{H622}}`), but it adds a crucial layer of intensity, tumult, or hostile intent. It also shares conceptual space with terms for "uproar," "commotion," or "agitation" (e.g., sha'on `{{H7588}}`, hamah `{{H1993}}`). Thematically, rᵉgash is associated with concepts of conspiracy, rebellion, collective opposition to authority (both human and divine), and unified malicious action.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) primarily lies in its portrayal of human opposition and conspiracy. In the narrative of Daniel 6, the "tumultuous gathering" of the officials against Daniel serves as a vivid illustration of the forces of darkness and human malice arrayed against God's faithful servant. This can be seen as a microcosm of the spiritual warfare where ungodly powers conspire to thwart divine purposes. When viewed in conjunction with its Hebrew cognate râgash (`{{H7283}}`) in [[Psalm 2:1]], the word takes on a profound eschatological and messianic dimension, depicting the futile, rebellious assembly of nations against God's sovereign rule and His Anointed King. It highlights the inherent futility and ultimate judgment awaiting all who set themselves in agitated opposition to the divine will. The word thus encapsulates the agitated, often irrational, nature of those who resist God's plan, revealing their inner turmoil and outward aggression.
### Summary
rᵉgash (`{{H7284}}`) is an Aramaic verb meaning "to gather tumultuously" or "to assemble with agitation." It is directly cognate with the Hebrew râgash (`{{H7283}}`), sharing the connotation of a hostile or tumultuous gathering. Its primary biblical occurrence in [[Daniel 6:6]] (Aramaic 6:7) depicts the conspiratorial assembly of the satraps against Daniel, emphasizing their malicious intent and agitated unity. Theologically, rᵉgash underscores the reality of human opposition and conspiracy against God's people and, by extension, against God's sovereign plan, as powerfully demonstrated by its Hebrew cognate's usage in [[Psalm 2:1]]. The word paints a vivid picture of collective human unrest and rebellion, often driven by a sinister or adversarial purpose.
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