from רָמַם; exaltation, i.e. (figuratively and specifically) praise; be extolled.
Transliteration:rôwmâm
Pronunciation:ro-mawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word rôwmâm (`{{H7318}}`) is a noun derived from the root rûm (`{{H7311}}`), or its variant ramam, which fundamentally signifies "to be high," "to be lifted up," or "to be exalted." Consequently, rôwmâm itself denotes "exaltation" or "elevation." Figuratively and more specifically, it extends its meaning to "praise" or "extolling." This semantic development highlights that the act of praise is inherently an act of lifting up or exalting the one being praised, particularly the Divine. It conveys a recognition of supreme status, power, and glory, an acknowledgment of worthiness that elevates the object of praise above all others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word rôwmâm (`{{H7318}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, yet its singular occurrence carries significant weight within its context.
* **[[Psalm 66:17]]**: "I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was under my tongue." The phrase in Hebrew reads "וְרוֹמָם תַּחַת לְשׁוֹנִי" (ve'rôwmâm tachat leshoni), which literally translates to "and exaltation/praise was under my tongue." This verse is part of a psalm of thanksgiving and testimony, where the psalmist recounts God's mighty deeds and personal deliverance. The expression "under my tongue" suggests that the praise was not merely an external utterance but a deep, internal, and ready-to-be-expressed adoration. It implies a profound, heartfelt, and perhaps even unspoken recognition of God's greatness that was always present and ready to burst forth in verbal praise. This unique usage links rôwmâm directly to a personal, fervent, and deeply ingrained response to divine intervention and answered prayer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of rôwmâm is enriched by understanding its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **rûm (`{{H7311}}`):** The foundational root from which rôwmâm is derived. This verb means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to lift up." It is frequently used to describe God's exalted nature (e.g., [[Psalm 97:9]], "For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.") and also the human act of lifting up or exalting God.
* **rām (`{{H7411}}`):** An adjective meaning "high" or "exalted," often used to describe God's loftiness or a lofty place.
* **tᵉhillâ (`{{H8416}}`):** A common noun for "praise" or "song of praise." While rôwmâm emphasizes the *act* or *state* of being lifted up in honor, tᵉhillâ focuses more on the *expression* or *declaration* of praise, often in a congregational or liturgical setting.
* **hālāl (`{{H1984}}`):** The primary verb for "to praise," "to boast," or "to shine." It often conveys a sense of exuberant, public, and even boisterous praise.
* The conceptual link between physical elevation and spiritual/moral exaltation is pervasive in Hebrew thought. To "exalt" God is to acknowledge His supreme position and inherent worthiness, elevating Him above all creation.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by rôwmâm is profoundly significant in biblical theology, particularly in understanding the nature of God and humanity's appropriate response to Him.
* **God's Transcendence and Sovereignty:** To offer rôwmâm to God is to affirm His unique and supreme position as the Most High (עֶלְיוֹן, elyôn), transcendent over all creation, all powers, and all other gods. It is an acknowledgment of His inherent glory, majesty, and absolute authority.
* **Human Response to Divine Action:** As demonstrated in [[Psalm 66:17]], rôwmâm is presented as a natural and righteous response to God's mighty acts of deliverance, faithfulness, and answered prayer. When God intervenes in the lives of His people, their proper orientation is to lift Him up in adoration and thanksgiving.
* **Worship as Exaltation:** True worship is not merely ritualistic observance but a profound act of lifting God above all else in one's heart, mind, and expression. It involves recognizing His unparalleled worthiness and declaring His greatness. This act of exaltation is not for God's benefit (as if He needs human praise to be great), but rather for humanity's proper orientation, spiritual well-being, and acknowledgment of ultimate reality.
* **The Depth of Praise:** The imagery of "praise under my tongue" in [[Psalm 66:17]] suggests a praise that is not superficial but deeply rooted, internal, and ever-present, ready to burst forth from a heart fully devoted to God's glory. It speaks to a praise that stems from a profound experience and understanding of God's character and His works.
### Summary
The Hebrew word rôwmâm (`{{H7318}}`), derived from the root rûm (`{{H7311}}`), fundamentally means "exaltation" or "elevation." While its direct biblical occurrences are limited to a single instance in [[Psalm 66:17]], its significance is profound. In this context, rôwmâm is translated as "high praise," signifying a deep, internal, and readily expressed adoration for God. It encapsulates the act of lifting God up in honor, acknowledging His supreme greatness, transcendence, and worthiness of all praise. Theologically, rôwmâm underscores the essential human duty to worship God by recognizing and declaring His unparalleled sovereignty and glory, especially in response to His redemptive and faithful actions. It represents a core aspect of true biblical worship—the setting apart of God as the Most High.
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