feminine of רוֹם; elation, i.e. (adverbially) proudly; haughtily.
Transliteration:rôwmâh
Pronunciation:ro-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7317 (רוֹמָה, *rôwmâh*) is a feminine noun derived from the root H7311 (רוּם, *rûwm*), which fundamentally means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." While the root itself can carry both positive connotations (e.g., God's exaltation, lifting up the poor) and negative ones (e.g., human pride), H7317 exclusively falls within the negative semantic range. Its base definition points to "elation," but this is not a positive joy. Rather, it signifies an inflated, improper elevation of oneself, manifesting as "proudly" or "haughtily." It functions adverbially, describing the manner in which something is done, particularly how one speaks. Thus, H7317 encapsulates the essence of arrogance and self-exaltation expressed through demeanor or words.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7317 appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the Book of Psalms, consistently conveying a negative sense of pride or arrogance.
1. **[[Psalm 75:5]]**: "Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck."
In this passage, H7317 is translated as "stiff neck" or "arrogantly." The context is a divine warning against the proud. Lifting the "horn" is a common biblical metaphor for power, strength, and status. To lift one's horn "on high" implies an arrogant display of self-importance. Speaking with a "stiff neck" (or "haughtily," *rôwmâh*) signifies a defiant, unyielding, and proud attitude in one's speech. The verse is part of a broader declaration of God's judgment against the wicked and His promise to humble the proud while exalting the righteous.
2. **[[Psalm 94:4]]**: "They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast."
Here, H7317 is rendered as "arrogant words" or "hard things." The psalm laments the oppression caused by the wicked who speak presumptuously, believing that God does not see or care about their actions. Their "arrogant words" (literally, "they utter, they speak H7317") are characterized by boastfulness, insolence, and a lack of reverence for divine justice. This usage reinforces the idea that H7317 describes a manner of speech that is presumptuous, defiant, and rooted in an inflated sense of self.
In both occurrences, H7317 is associated with the behavior of the wicked, specifically their proud and defiant speech, which is an affront to God and His righteous governance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H7317 is closely tied to other Hebrew terms expressing pride, arrogance, and self-exaltation.
* **H7311 (רוּם, *rûwm*)**: The verbal root from which H7317 is derived. While rûwm can mean "to be high" in a positive sense (e.g., God's exaltedness), its negative application to human pride is foundational to H7317.
* **H7312 (רוּם, *rum*)**: A masculine noun often translated as "height," "haughtiness," or "arrogance," also stemming from the same root. This highlights the conceptual connection between physical elevation and spiritual pride.
* **H1346 (גָּאוֹן, *ga'own*)**: A common term for "pride," "majesty," or "arrogance." Like rûwm, it can describe God's majestic glory (positive) or human haughtiness (negative). H7317 specifically describes the *manner* of expressing such pride.
* **H2086 (זָדוֹן, *zadon*)**: Signifies "presumption," "insolence," or "arrogance," often leading to defiant action against God's commands. This term captures the rebellious aspect inherent in the "haughty" speech of H7317.
* **H6149 (עַלִּיז, *'alliyz*)**: Means "exultant" or "arrogant," often in a boastful or triumphant manner, similar to the "boasting" associated with H7317 in [[Psalm 94:4]].
Conceptually, H7317 stands in stark contrast to humility, meekness, and reverence for God. It represents a characteristic of those who reject divine authority and rely on their own perceived strength or wisdom.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7317 lies in its condemnation of pride, particularly as expressed through presumptuous and arrogant speech. In the biblical worldview, pride is not merely a character flaw but a fundamental rebellion against God.
1. **Opposition to God's Sovereignty**: Speaking rôwmâh (haughtily) is an act of self-exaltation that directly challenges God's ultimate authority. The psalmist's complaint in [[Psalm 94:4]] highlights how such arrogant words deny God's knowledge and justice, effectively dethroning Him in the speaker's mind.
2. **Characteristic of the Wicked**: Both occurrences of H7317 describe the behavior of the wicked or evildoers. This reinforces the biblical teaching that pride is a defining characteristic of those who stand in opposition to God and His righteous ways. It is a manifestation of a heart that is not submitted to divine will.
3. **Divine Judgment**: The context of H75:5 explicitly links rôwmâh with actions that provoke divine judgment. God "breaks the horns of the wicked" and brings down the proud. This underscores the theological principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. [[Proverbs 3:34]], [[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]]).
4. **Call to Humility**: By highlighting the negative consequences and nature of rôwmâh, the term implicitly calls believers to cultivate humility in their speech and attitude. It serves as a warning against any form of self-exaltation or boastfulness, encouraging a posture of reverence and dependence on God.
### Summary
H7317 (רוֹמָה, *rôwmâh*) is a rare but significant Hebrew term, derived from the root H7311 (רוּם, *rûwm*) meaning "to be high." It functions adverbially, signifying "proudly" or "haughtily," specifically describing the manner of arrogant speech or attitude. Its two occurrences in the Psalms ([[Psalm 75:5]] and [[Psalm 94:4]]) consistently depict the defiant, presumptuous, and boastful nature of the wicked. Theologically, H7317 underscores the biblical condemnation of pride as a rebellion against God's sovereignty, a defining characteristic of the unrighteous, and an action that invites divine judgment. It serves as a potent reminder for believers to cultivate humility in all their interactions and expressions.
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