(Aramaic) corresponding to רוּם; {to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)}; extol, lift up (self), set up.
Transliteration:rûwm
Pronunciation:room
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb רוּם (rûwm), Strong's `{{H7313}}`, shares a direct etymological and semantic correspondence with its more frequently occurring Hebrew cognate רוּם (rûm) `{{H7311}}`. At its core, רוּם signifies the state of "being high" or the action of "raising" or "lifting up." Its semantic range extends from literal physical elevation to various figurative applications. These include:
* **Physical Elevation:** To cause something to ascend or be built to a certain height.
* **Social/Political Elevation:** To promote, advance, or exalt an individual to a position of authority or prominence.
* **Figurative Exaltation:** To extol or magnify, often in the context of praise or honor.
* **Self-Exaltation:** To lift oneself up, often implying pride, arrogance, or rebellion against a higher authority.
The active sense of "to raise" or "to set up" is prominent, indicating an intentional act of elevation, whether by divine or human agency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, רוּם `{{H7313}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage reveals key insights into the power dynamics and theological themes of the post-exilic period.
In Ezra, the verb appears in the context of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple:
* [[Ezra 6:3]]: King Cyrus's decree commands that the foundation of the temple be "laid" or "raised up." This highlights the physical act of construction and the re-establishment of the sacred space.
In Daniel, רוּם `{{H7313}}` is used to describe both divine and human actions of elevation, often with significant theological implications:
* **Divine Exaltation/Promotion:**
* [[Daniel 3:30]]: After their miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are "promoted" (lit. "raised up") by King Nebuchadnezzar.
* [[Daniel 6:3]]: Daniel is "preferred" (lit. "raised up") above the other governors and satraps due to his exceptional spirit. These instances demonstrate the sovereign hand of God working through human rulers to elevate His faithful servants.
* **Human Exaltation (Divine Agency):**
* [[Daniel 5:19]]: The text recounts how God "exalted" (lit. "raised up") Nebuchadnezzar, granting him immense power and glory. This points to the principle that all earthly authority is ultimately derived from God.
* **Human Self-Exaltation/Pride:**
* [[Daniel 5:23]]: In stark contrast to Nebuchadnezzar's divinely granted exaltation, Belshazzar is condemned for having "lifted up" himself against the Lord of heaven. This self-exaltation, manifested in desecrating the temple vessels, is presented as an act of rebellion that directly precedes his downfall.
* [[Daniel 4:34]]: Nebuchadnezzar "lifted up" his eyes to heaven, a physical action that accompanied his humbling and subsequent recognition of God's supreme authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew cognate רוּם `{{H7311}}`. While רוּם `{{H7313}}` is limited to the Aramaic portions, the Hebrew root encompasses a much broader semantic field, including "to be high," "to be exalted," "to lift up" (e.g., hands in prayer), "to offer up" (e.g., a heave offering, *terumah*). Understanding the Hebrew cognate enriches the appreciation of the Aramaic term's core meaning.
Other related concepts include:
* **Authority and Power:** The ability to elevate or be elevated in status.
* **Sovereignty:** God's ultimate power to raise up or cast down.
* **Humility vs. Pride:** The theological tension between seeking self-exaltation and acknowledging divine supremacy.
* **Restoration:** The act of raising up something that has fallen, as seen in the temple's rebuilding.
### Theological Significance
The Aramaic רוּם `{{H7313}}` carries profound theological weight, particularly within the narrative arc of Daniel. It serves as a powerful linguistic marker for understanding divine sovereignty and the perils of human pride.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Providence:** The repeated instances of God "raising up" or "promoting" individuals like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego underscore God's active involvement in human affairs. He is the ultimate source of all authority and elevation, capable of using even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes. This affirms His providential care for His people and His control over the destinies of nations and individuals.
2. **The Danger of Self-Exaltation:** The most striking theological lesson derived from רוּם `{{H7313}}` is the stark contrast between God's exaltation and human self-exaltation. Belshazzar's "lifting up" of himself against the Lord ([[Daniel 5:23]]) is depicted as an act of egregious blasphemy, leading directly to his judgment and the fall of his kingdom. This serves as a timeless warning against pride and rebellion against divine authority, emphasizing that true honor comes from God, not from human ambition or arrogance.
3. **Restoration and Hope:** In Ezra, the command to "raise" the temple foundation ([[Ezra 6:3]]) symbolizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the exile, God orchestrates the restoration of His people and the rebuilding of His sanctuary, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His dwelling place among them.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb רוּᆷ (rûwm), Strong's `{{H7313}}`, signifies "to be high," "to rise," or "to raise," functioning as a direct cognate to the Hebrew רוּᆷ `{{H7311}}`. Primarily found in Ezra and Daniel, its usage illuminates key theological themes:
1. **Physical Elevation:** As seen in the command to "raise" the temple foundation in [[Ezra 6:3]].
2. **Promotion and Exaltation:** God's sovereign hand in "raising up" or "promoting" individuals like Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar ([[Daniel 3:30]], [[Daniel 5:19]], [[Daniel 6:3]]).
3. **Peril of Self-Exaltation:** The stark warning against human pride and rebellion, exemplified by Belshazzar "lifting up" himself against God ([[Daniel 5:23]]), which leads to divine judgment.
The study of רוּם `{{H7313}}` thus powerfully reinforces the biblical truth that all true honor and elevation come from the Lord, and that self-exaltation is an affront to His supreme sovereignty, leading inevitably to a fall.
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