a primitive root; properly, to triturate (in a mortar), i.e. (figuratively) to agitate (by concussion); tremble.
Transliteration:rûwph
Pronunciation:roof
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7322}}` (rûwph) is a primitive root, suggesting a foundational concept without a clear etymological derivation from simpler forms. Its core meaning progresses from a physical, forceful action to a resultant state. Properly, it denotes the act "to triturate," which means to grind, pulverize, or crush something in a mortar. This implies a repetitive, intense, and often violent motion that breaks down or agitates a substance. From this literal sense, the word extends figuratively to "agitate (by concussion)," indicating a violent shaking, disturbance, or impact that causes something to move erratically or lose stability. The ultimate manifestation of this agitation, as seen in its biblical usage, is "to tremble" or "to sway." Thus, `{{H7322}}` encapsulates a spectrum from forceful grinding to a state of profound instability and quivering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H7322}}` (rûwph) appears only once in the Masoretic Text, making its solitary occurrence profoundly significant for understanding its semantic range and theological weight. This unique instance is found in the prophetic book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 24:20]]**: "The earth reels like a drunkard, it **sways** like a hut; its transgression lies heavy upon it, and it will fall, never to rise again."
In this powerful eschatological passage, Isaiah describes the cosmic consequences of human sin and divine judgment. The word `{{H7322}}` is translated "sways" (ESV, NASB, NIV) or "shall be removed" (KJV). The imagery is one of profound instability and disequilibrium. The earth is not merely trembling; it is depicted as being so violently agitated that it loses its balance, much like a drunkard staggering or a flimsy hut being buffeted by a storm. This aligns perfectly with the root's figurative meaning of "agitation by concussion." The earth's "swaying" or "reeling" is a direct result of its "transgression," indicating a moral cause for a physical, cosmic upheaval. The verb's singular use in such a dramatic context underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of God's judgment, where even the seemingly stable foundations of creation are shaken to their core.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of shaking, trembling, and instability is conveyed by several other Hebrew roots, each with nuanced distinctions. Understanding these related terms helps to contextualize `{{H7322}}`'s unique contribution:
* **`{{H2729}}` (charad)**: To tremble, be afraid, often implying a fear-induced physical shaking.
* **`{{H7467}}` (ra'ad)**: To tremble, quake, often used for physical shaking (e.g., of the ground) or the trembling of a person.
* **`{{H6342}}` (pakhad)**: To fear, tremble, often emphasizing the psychological state of dread that leads to trembling.
* **`{{H5128}}` (nua')**: To shake, wander, stagger, reel. This word appears in the first clause of [[Isaiah 24:20]] ("The earth reels like a drunkard"), creating a powerful parallelism with `{{H7322}}` (rûwph) and emphasizing the profound instability.
* **`{{H4132}}` (mut)**: To totter, waver, shake. Often used to describe the shaking of foundations or the instability of a person's standing.
While these words share the semantic field of instability and movement, `{{H7322}}` (rûwph), with its underlying sense of "trituration" and "agitation by concussion," uniquely conveys a sense of being violently churned or ground down, leading to a complete loss of equilibrium. It suggests an internal, fundamental disturbance rather than merely an external tremor.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H7322}}` (rûwph) in [[Isaiah 24:20]] carries profound theological weight. It speaks directly to:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Creation**: God is depicted as the ultimate agent who can cause the very earth to "sway" and "reel." This demonstrates His absolute power not only to create but also to judge and unmake the created order. The fragility of the cosmos in the face of divine wrath is a stark reminder of His omnipotence.
2. **The Cosmic Impact of Sin**: The passage explicitly links the earth's violent agitation to its "transgression." This underscores the biblical teaching that sin is not merely a personal failing but has cosmic repercussions, defiling and destabilizing the very fabric of creation. The earth groans under the weight of human iniquity, leading to a physical manifestation of its spiritual brokenness.
3. **Eschatological Judgment**: The context of [[Isaiah 24]] is one of global judgment, a "day of the Lord" that brings devastation upon the whole earth. `{{H7322}}` contributes to the vivid imagery of this final, cataclysmic event, where the familiar order is overthrown, and the world is brought to the brink of collapse. It points to a time when the stability of the present age will give way to a new reality.
4. **The Need for a New Creation**: The earth's inability to rise again after its "swaying" and falling implies the necessity of a new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells and such trembling ceases ([[2 Peter 3:10-13]]; [[Revelation 21:1]]). The word thus foreshadows the ultimate renewal that God will bring.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H7322}}` (rûwph) signifies a powerful process moving from the literal act of grinding or pulverizing to the figurative state of being violently agitated by concussion, culminating in a profound trembling or swaying. Its singular, yet impactful, appearance in [[Isaiah 24:20]] paints a vivid picture of the earth's response to divine judgment. Here, the earth "sways like a hut," reflecting its fundamental instability under the heavy burden of human transgression. This unique usage underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, the far-reaching cosmic consequences of sin, and the dramatic nature of eschatological judgment. The word powerfully contributes to the prophetic imagery of a world undone, highlighting the need for God's ultimate restorative work in a new creation where stability and righteousness prevail.
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