feminine active participle of רָמַם; exaltation, i.e. praise; high.
Transliteration:rôwmᵉmâh
Pronunciation:ro-mem-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7319 (רוֹמְמָה, rôwmᵉmâh) is a feminine active participle derived from the root רָמַם (ramam), which is closely related to רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." As such, רוֹמְמָה carries the core meaning of "exaltation," "highness," or "loftiness." Its semantic range specifically extends to the concept of "high praise" or "exalted praise," signifying the act of lifting up someone or something to a position of great honor and esteem. While the root can imply physical elevation, H7319 is almost exclusively used in a metaphorical sense, denoting the highest form of praise and adoration, particularly directed towards the divine. It conveys not merely commendation, but an acknowledgment of supreme worth and elevated status.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H7319 appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant, consistently pointing to the exaltation of God.
1. **[[Psalm 66:17]]**: "I cried to Him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue." Here, רוֹמְמָה is rendered "high praise," indicating the fervent and profound adoration expressed by the psalmist towards God. It suggests a vocalized, public declaration of God's greatness.
2. **[[Psalm 145:3]]**: "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." The phrase "greatly to be praised" translates וּמְהֻלָּל מְאֹד וְלִגְדֻלָּתוֹ אֵין חֵקֶר where רוֹמְמָה is implied in the sense of His unsearchable greatness demanding ultimate exaltation. In some interpretations, it directly refers to the *exaltation* or *loftiness* of God's being.
3. **[[Psalm 149:6]]**: "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand." This verse juxtaposes spiritual worship with readiness for battle, emphasizing that the "high praises" (רוֹמְמָה) of God are a powerful declaration, a spiritual weapon in themselves, affirming God's sovereignty even in conflict.
4. **[[1 Chronicles 29:11]]**: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all." In this prayer of David, רוֹמְמָה is used to describe God's self-exaltation (וְרוֹמֵם), highlighting His supreme position as the sovereign ruler over all creation. It is a declaration of God's inherent majesty and ultimate authority.
5. **[[Nehemiah 9:5]]**: "Then the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, 'Arise, bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Oh, may Your glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise!'" Here, רוֹמְמָה describes God's name being "exalted above all blessing and praise," underscoring the incomparable nature of God's glory. It is a call to recognize God's absolute transcendence and worthiness of the highest possible veneration.
Across these contexts, רוֹמְמָה consistently signifies a profound recognition and declaration of God's supreme nature, whether as "high praise" from His people or as His inherent "exaltation" over all.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for H7319 is its root, רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), which means "to be high, exalted, lifted up." This root is foundational to understanding the sense of elevation inherent in רוֹמְמָה. Other related Hebrew terms that convey aspects of praise, glory, or divine majesty include:
* הָלַל (halal, `{{H1984}}`): "to praise, boast, shine." This is a general term for praise, often joyful and exuberant.
* שָׁבַח (shabach, `{{H7623}}`): "to praise, commend." Implies speaking well of someone.
* יָדָה (yadah, `{{H3034}}`): "to praise, give thanks, confess." Often involves an outstretched hand.
* בָּרַךְ (barak, `{{H1288}}`): "to bless." To kneel in adoration or to declare blessedness.
* כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`): "glory, honor, weight." Refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and majesty.
* גָּדַל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`): "to be great, become great." Often used in connection with magnifying God.
While these terms all relate to praise or divine attributes, רוֹמְמָה uniquely emphasizes the *loftiness* and *supreme elevation* of the object of praise, setting it apart as the highest form of adoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רוֹמְמָה is profound, centering on the absolute transcendence and sovereignty of God. When used in the context of "high praise," it conveys that human worship must reflect the incomparable nature of the Divine. It is not merely an expression of gratitude or admiration, but a declaration of God's intrinsic worthiness to be elevated above all else. This word underscores several key theological concepts:
1. **God's Transcendence:** רוֹמְמָה highlights that God is utterly distinct and superior to His creation. He is "high" and "exalted," dwelling in unapproachable light, deserving of praise that acknowledges His unique status.
2. **God's Sovereignty:** In verses like [[1 Chronicles 29:11]], רוֹמְמָה speaks of God's self-exaltation as head over all. This affirms His ultimate dominion and authority over all things, both in heaven and on earth.
3. **The Nature of Worship:** The use of רוֹמְמָה defines worship as an act of elevating God to His rightful place. It calls for a recognition of His greatness that transcends human comprehension, leading to profound reverence and adoration. It implies that true praise is not casual but deeply reverent, reflecting the infinite chasm between Creator and creature.
4. **Divine Glory:** The "high praises" are a response to God's inherent כָּבוֹד (kavod, `{{H3519}}`) or glory. To offer רוֹמְמָה is to acknowledge and proclaim God's manifest glory and majesty.
In essence, רוֹמְמָה functions as a theological marker, reminding the worshiper that God is not merely great, but supremely exalted, deserving of the highest and most profound adoration imaginable.
### Summary
H7319 (רוֹמְמָה, rôwmᵉmâh) is a powerful Hebrew term signifying "exaltation" or "high praise," rooted in the concept of being lifted up or made high. Its consistent use in the biblical text, particularly in the Psalms and historical books, demonstrates its almost exclusive application to the worship and declaration of God's supreme nature. רוֹמְמָה is not simply a synonym for general praise; rather, it denotes the utmost degree of adoration, acknowledging God's inherent loftiness, transcendence, and absolute sovereignty. Theologically, it compels believers to offer a form of worship that recognizes God's incomparable glory and His rightful position as exalted head over all creation, making it a cornerstone for understanding profound reverence and adoration in the Old Testament.
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