or רֻם; from רוּם; (literally) elevation or (figuratively) elation; haughtiness, height, [idiom] high.
Transliteration:rûwm
Pronunciation:room
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רוּם (rûwm), Strong's H7312, derives from the verb רוּם (rûm), Strong's `{{H7311}}`, meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." As a noun, H7312 primarily denotes "height" or "elevation" in a literal sense, referring to physical dimension or altitude. However, its semantic range extends significantly into figurative meanings, encompassing both positive and negative connotations. Positively, it can signify "exaltation," "loftiness," or "majesty," often in reference to divine attributes or the elevation of a person or nation by divine favor. Negatively, it conveys "haughtiness," "pride," or "arrogance," describing an inflated sense of self-importance that stands in opposition to God. This dual nature is crucial to understanding its usage, reflecting the inherent tension between legitimate exaltation and sinful self-exaltation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רוּם (rûwm) appears in various contexts, illustrating its diverse applications.
Literally, it describes physical dimensions, such as the "height" of a wall or building: "the height of the wall" [[Ezra 9:9]], or the "height" of a man, as in the description of King Saul's stature: "from his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people" [[1 Samuel 9:2]]. It also denotes the "height" of mountains or elevated places, emphasizing their physical loftiness.
Figuratively, the word carries profound theological weight. In a positive sense, it speaks of God's inherent majesty and transcendence. Prophets often declare the "height" or "loftiness" of God, signifying His supreme position and power: "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place'" [[Isaiah 57:15]]. This usage underscores divine sovereignty and glorious exaltation.
Conversely, רוּם (rûwm) frequently denotes human pride and arrogance, a negative spiritual state. This is particularly evident in prophetic condemnations of nations or individuals who exalt themselves against God or others. For instance, the "haughtiness" of the human spirit is contrasted with the humbling power of God: "The haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the pride of men shall be brought low, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day" [[Isaiah 2:17]]. Here, רוּם (rûwm) is a moral failing, an illicit self-elevation that invites divine judgment. The context often implies a challenge to God's authority or a reliance on human strength rather than divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for רוּם (rûwm) is its verbal root, `{{H7311}}` (rûm), which means "to be high, exalted, lifted up." Other significant derivatives from this root include:
* `{{H7313}}` (rōmāmāh): A noun meaning "exaltation" or "praise," often used in the context of praising God.
* `{{H7314}}` (rōmem): An adjective meaning "exalted" or "lifting up," also frequently applied to God.
The concept of "height" or "exaltation" is closely related to other Hebrew terms for greatness or elevation, such as:
* `{{H1361}}` (gābah): "to be high, exalted."
* `{{H5375}}` (nāśā'): "to lift, carry, exalt."
When רוּם (rûwm) signifies "pride" or "haughtiness," it aligns with other terms denoting arrogance:
* `{{H1346}}` (gā'ôn): "pride, majesty, arrogance."
* `{{H2087}}` (zādôn): "presumption, insolence."
* `{{H1347}}` (ga'ăvâh): "pride, arrogance."
The theological opposite of רוּם (rûwm) in its negative sense is humility or lowliness, often expressed by words like שָׁפַל (shāphal), meaning "to be low, humble."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רוּם (rûwm) is profound, revolving around the contrast between divine exaltation and human pride.
Firstly, it powerfully articulates God's transcendent majesty and holiness. God is inherently "high" and "exalted," dwelling in an unapproachable "height." This attribute underscores His sovereignty, His unchallengeable authority, and His distinctness from creation. To acknowledge God's רוּם (rûwm) is to recognize His rightful place as the supreme Lord, worthy of all worship and praise.
Secondly, the negative connotation of רוּם (rûwm) as "haughtiness" serves as a severe warning against human pride. Biblical theology consistently identifies pride as a fundamental sin, an attempt by humanity to usurp God's place or to rely on self rather than on divine grace. Such self-exaltation is an affront to God's infinite רוּם (rûwm) and inevitably leads to downfall and judgment, as seen in passages like [[Proverbs 16:18]]: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The narrative of the Tower of Babel [[Genesis 11:4]] epitomizes this human desire for self-exaltation to reach "the heavens," resulting in divine scattering and confusion.
Ultimately, the word רוּם (rûwm) encapsulates a core biblical principle: true exaltation comes from God alone. Those who humble themselves will be exalted by God, while those who exalt themselves will be brought low. It calls believers to reverence for God's immeasurable height and to cultivate humility in their own lives.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רוּם (rûwm), Strong's `{{H7312}}`, is a versatile noun derived from the verb "to be high." It denotes physical "height" or "elevation" but carries significant figurative weight. Positively, it describes divine "exaltation," "majesty," and "loftiness," emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty and holiness. Negatively, it signifies human "haughtiness," "pride," and "arrogance," a spiritual posture that stands in opposition to God and incurs His judgment. The dual nature of רוּם (rûwm) highlights a crucial theological truth: while God is eternally high and lifted up, human attempts at self-exaltation are futile and destructive. The word thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's transcendent glory and the imperative for human humility.
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