from רוּם; elevation, i.e. (adverbially) aloft; on high.
Transliteration:rôwm
Pronunciation:rome
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7315 (רוֹם, *rôwm*) denotes "elevation," "height," or, more frequently, functions adverbially to mean "aloft" or "on high." It is derived from the verbal root H7311 (רוּם, *rûm*), which signifies "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to lift up." While H7311 describes the action or state of being high, H7315 typically describes the position or sphere of that height. Its semantic range thus encompasses both literal, spatial elevation (e.g., a high place, the heavens) and metaphorical, abstract exaltation (e.g., God's transcendent position, a lofty thought). The adverbial usage emphasizes the direction or location "from above" or "in the heights."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Occurrences of H7315 in the Hebrew Bible consistently point to a state or location of elevation. Often, it describes the dwelling place or perspective of God. For instance, in [[Psalm 7:7]], the psalmist appeals to God to "return on high" (לַמָּרוֹם), indicating God's transcendent abode from which He observes and judges. Similarly, [[Psalm 10:5]] notes that the judgments of the wicked are "far above" (מֵרוֹם) them, implying that they are beyond their comprehension or concern, a statement of their spiritual blindness to divine accountability.
In [[Psalm 73:8]], the wicked "speak from on high" (מִמָּרוֹם), which can be interpreted as speaking arrogantly, as if from a position of unassailable power or divine authority, mimicking God's own transcendence. This highlights the potential for human hubris to usurp a position reserved for the divine. [[Isaiah 24:18]] speaks of "windows from on high" (מִמָּרוֹם) being opened, a vivid image of divine judgment descending from the heavens, reminiscent of the flood narrative. This usage underscores God's control over creation and His sovereign intervention in human affairs from His exalted position.
The term also appears in [[Isaiah 33:5]], where it describes the Lord as "exalted" (מָרוֹם) dwelling on high, filling Zion with justice and righteousness. Here, H7315 directly attributes the quality of supreme elevation to Yahweh, linking His dwelling place with His moral attributes of equity and righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical relationship for H7315 is its root verb H7311 (רוּם, *rûm*), "to be high, exalted, lifted up." This root gives rise to a family of words associated with height and exaltation, including:
* H7313 (רָם, *rām*): "high," "exalted," often used of God or lofty things.
* H7317 (רָמָה, *rāmāh*): "high place," often referring to cultic sites.
* H4791 (מָרוֹם, *mārôm*): This is the exact same word as H7315 (רוֹם), often with a prefixed 'מ' (mem) indicating a place or state of being, but functionally identical in meaning as "height," "high place," or "on high." The Strong's number H4791 specifically refers to the noun form, while H7315 is the root form often used adverbially. They are essentially two forms of the same concept.
* H1116 (בָּמָה, *bāmāh*): "high place," specifically referring to cultic sites, often illicit, contrasting with the true "highness" of God.
Conceptually, H7315 is related to divine transcendence, sovereignty, glory, and judgment. It stands in contrast to concepts of lowliness, humility, or the earthly realm. Its usage often evokes the vast chasm between the created and the Creator, emphasizing God's unique position.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7315 is profound, primarily centering on the nature and character of God. When used to describe God's dwelling or perspective, H7315 underscores His transcendence. God is "on high," meaning He is utterly distinct from creation, beyond human comprehension, and unlimited by earthly constraints. This transcendence implies His sovereignty over all things; from His exalted position, He governs, observes, and judges.
The frequent association of H7315 with divine judgment (e.g., [[Isaiah 24:18]]) highlights God's omniscient view and His absolute authority to intervene in human history. His judgments are not arbitrary but issue from a perfect, elevated perspective. Furthermore, the "on high" location of God ([[Isaiah 33:5]]) is often linked to His attributes of justice and righteousness, affirming that His supreme position is inherently righteous.
For humanity, the concept of God dwelling רוֹם necessitates a posture of reverence, awe, and humility. To acknowledge God as "on high" is to recognize one's own creatureliness and dependence. When humans or their actions are described as "from on high" in a negative sense (e.g., [[Psalm 73:8]]), it serves as a warning against pride and the human tendency to usurp divine prerogatives.
### Summary
H7315 (רוֹם, *rôwm*) is a Hebrew term signifying "elevation," "height," or more commonly, "on high" in an adverbial sense. Derived from the root H7311 (רוּם), "to be high," it consistently points to a position of supreme elevation, whether literal or metaphorical. In biblical usage, H7315 frequently describes God's transcendent dwelling place, emphasizing His sovereignty, omniscient perspective, and the source of His righteous judgment. Its theological weight underscores the vast distinction between the Creator and creation, calling for human reverence and humility in the face of God's exalted nature.
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