### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rôhâb**, represented by `{{H7296}}`, is defined as **pride** or **strength**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single context highly significant for its interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7296}}` is in [[Psalms 90:10]]. This verse reflects on the brevity and difficulty of human life. It states that while a person might live to seventy or even eighty years, the very **strength** of that extended lifespan is ultimately characterized by **labour** `{{H5999}}` and **sorrow** `{{H205}}`. In this context, **rôhâb** describes the pride or supposed best part of these later years, which are nevertheless fleeting as they are "soon **cut off**" [[Psalms 90:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its single biblical context help clarify the meaning of **rôhâb**:
* `{{H1369}}` **gᵉbûwrâh** (strength): Appears in the same verse, referring to the "reason of **strength**" that might extend life to eighty years [[Psalms 90:10]]. It is defined as force, valor, or power.
* `{{H5999}}` **ʻâmâl** (labour): This term defines the first characteristic of the "strength" of old age, describing it as **labour** or "wearing effort" [[Psalms 90:10]].
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (sorrow): Paired with **ʻâmâl**, this word completes the description, defining the nature of man's later years as **sorrow** or "trouble" [[Psalms 90:10]].
* `{{H1468}}` **gûwz** (cut off): This verb describes the ultimate end of this period of life. The years and their associated "strength" are quickly **cut off**, emphasizing their transient nature [[Psalms 90:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7296}}` is tied to its singular, poignant usage in scripture.
* **The Transience of Human Life:** The word highlights the biblical theme of human frailty. Even a long life, a potential source of pride, is described as **labour** and **sorrow**, ultimately concluding swiftly [[Psalms 90:10]].
* **Limitation of Human Strength:** In its context, `{{H7296}}` contrasts with the divine **strength** `{{H1369}}` attributed to God, which is associated with might, victory, and majesty [[1 Chronicles 29:12]]. Human strength, by contrast, is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying.
* **The Nature of Pride:** By defining the best of man's years as "pride" that is also "labour and sorrow," the verse serves as a caution against finding ultimate value in longevity or physical vitality. The swiftness with which it is "cut off" points to the vanity of such pride [[Psalms 90:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7296}}` **rôhâb** is a highly specific term whose meaning is entirely shaped by its sole appearance. Though defined as "pride" or "strength," it is used in [[Psalms 90:10]] to describe the very essence of a long life as being full of **labour** and **sorrow**. It serves as a stark reminder of human mortality and the fleeting nature of physical vitality, cautioning against placing one's pride in the length of days which are quickly "cut off."
TRV