### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râhâb**, represented by `{{H7295}}`, is defined as **insolent** or **proud**. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entire biblical text, marking its use as pointed and significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H7295}}` is in [[Psalms 40:4]], where it is used to describe a category of people that a blessed individual should not respect. The verse states that a happy or blessed man is one who makes the LORD `{{H3068}}` his trust. This person is contrasted with those who regard the **proud**, showing that pride stands in opposition to trusting in God. The verse further associates the **proud** with those who "turn aside to lies," directly linking this insolent attitude with falsehood `{{H3577}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its sole context in [[Psalms 40:4]] help clarify the meaning and significance of **râhâb**:
* `{{H835}}` **'esher** (happiness; blessed, happy): This word describes the state of the man who trusts in the LORD and stands as the direct antithesis to the condition associated with pride. The verse sets up being blessed as the reward for not respecting the proud [[Psalms 40:4]].
* `{{H4009}}` **mibṭâch** (a refuge, i.e. security, or assurance; confidence, hope, sure, trust): This is what the blessed man places in the LORD. It represents a reliance on God's security, contrasting with the self-reliance inherent in pride [[Psalms 40:4]].
* `{{H3577}}` **kâzâb** (falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); lie, lying): This term is explicitly linked to the proud in [[Psalms 40:4]], indicating that pride and turning to lies are related actions that deviate from the path of trust in God.
* `{{H7750}}` **sûwṭ** (to become derelict; turn aside to): This verb describes the action of straying or becoming derelict. In its context, it is what those who follow lies do, a path that runs parallel to the way of the proud [[Psalms 40:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7295}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage, which establishes a clear moral and spiritual choice.
* **A Clear Dichotomy:** The appearance of **râhâb** in [[Psalms 40:4]] creates a stark contrast. A person can either make the LORD `{{H3068}}` their trust `{{H4009}}` and be blessed `{{H835}}`, or they can respect the **proud** `{{H7295}}`. This presents pride not just as a character flaw, but as a spiritual path opposed to God.
* **Pride and Falsehood:** The verse theologically connects pride with lies `{{H3577}}`. Those who are **proud** are grouped with "such as turn aside to lies," suggesting that an insolent, self-important worldview is rooted in or leads to falsehood and untruth.
* **The Condition for Blessing:** The text establishes that avoiding pride is a prerequisite for blessing. Happiness is found in the man who deliberately turns his respect away from the **proud** and instead places his confidence in the LORD [[Psalms 40:4]].
### Summary
In summary, while **râhâb** `{{H7295}}` is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its single occurrence provides a potent and concise lesson. It defines pride as a direct alternative to a life of trust in the LORD. By positioning the **proud** alongside those who turn to lies, the scripture frames insolence not merely as an undesirable trait, but as a dangerous spiritual state that stands in opposition to the security and happiness found in God.
TRV