The Hebrew word rôwmâh, represented by H7317, is an adverb that means proudly or haughtily. Defined as elation, it is the feminine form of רוֹם. This highly specific term appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, giving its single usage significant weight.
The sole appearance of H7317 is in Micah 2:3, where the LORD delivers a prophecy of judgment. He declares, "Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil." In this context, rôwmâh describes the arrogant posture and demeanor of the people, a pride that God is about to break. Their ability to "go haughtily" will be taken away as a direct consequence of the calamity He is devising against them.
Several related words in its context illuminate the meaning of H7317:
- H2803 châshab (devise): This root means "to plot or contrive" and is used here to describe God's intentional plan of judgment against the family's pride Micah 2:3. It highlights a deliberate response to their actions.
- H3212 yâlak (go): Meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively)," this word is paired directly with H7317 to describe the people's manner of living and moving. They are warned they will no longer be able to "go" in their proud way Micah 2:3.
- H7451 raʻ (evil): This term for "bad or evil" is used twice in the verse, describing both the "evil" (calamity) that the LORD will bring and the "evil" character of the "time" itself, providing the justification for judgment Micah 2:3.
- H6677 tsavvâʼr (neck): This word for "neck" is used to symbolize being burdened. The verse states that the people will not be able to remove the yoke from their necks, a physical posture of submission that is the opposite of walking haughtily Micah 2:3.
The theological significance of H7317 is concentrated in its singular, powerful use.
- Judgment on Arrogance: The word's context is a direct condemnation of pride. The Lord H3068 devises a specific "evil" or calamity to humble those who walk haughtily, demonstrating that arrogance invites divine opposition Micah 2:3.
- The Consequence of an Evil Time: The reason for this judgment is that "this time H6256 is evil H7451" Micah 2:3. The people's haughtiness is a symptom of the moral decay of their era, which God will not leave unaddressed.
- A Call to a Different Walk: The prohibition against going haughtily stands in stark contrast to the call elsewhere in the same book to "walk H3212 humbly with thy God" Micah 6:8. This juxtaposition frames pride as a path in direct opposition to the one God desires for His people.
In summary, while H7317 is one of the rarest words in the biblical lexicon, its meaning is sharp and clear. It is used exclusively to describe the sin of arrogant pride, which provokes a direct and humbling judgment from the LORD. Its appearance in Micah 2:3 serves as a concise and potent illustration of the principle that God opposes the proud and brings down those who carry themselves haughtily.
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