רוּק

rûwq /rook/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e. empty
KJV usagecast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out).
Idioms & phrasesidiom arm
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word rûwq, represented by H7324, carries the core meaning to pour out or empty. It is a primitive root that appears 19 times in 19 unique verses. Its definition extends from the literal act of pouring to figurative concepts like casting out, and includes the idiomatic sense of arming for battle or drawing out a weapon.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, H7324 is used in a variety of contexts, demonstrating its versatility. Literally, it describes clouds that empty themselves of rain upon the earth Ecclesiastes 11:3 and the sons of Jacob as they emptied their sacks of grain Genesis 42:35. Figuratively, it conveys a promise of divine blessing so great it is poured out until there is no more room Malachi 3:10. However, it is most frequently used in a military context, signifying the act to draw a sword in preparation for battle or in judgment, as when God warns He will draw out a sword after a scattered people (Leviticus 26:33, Ezekiel 5:2). The word can also mean to arm, as when Abram armed his servants to pursue his enemies Genesis 14:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H7324 is used:

  • H2719 chereb (sword): This word is a frequent object of the action of H7324. In passages of judgment or conflict, enemies draw their swords H2719 Ezekiel 28:7, and God promises to draw out a sword H2719 after those He scatters Ezekiel 5:12.
  • H2219 zârâh (to scatter): This term often appears in parallel with H7324 to describe divine judgment. God declares He will scatter H2219 a third part of the people into the winds and draw out a sword after them Ezekiel 5:12.
  • H4390 mâlêʼ (to fill or be full of): As a direct contrast to emptying, this word provides a complete picture of an action. Clouds that are full H4390 of rain then empty H7324 themselves Ecclesiastes 11:3, and the enemy's lust will be satisfied H4390 before he draws his sword Exodus 15:9.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7324 is significant, often illustrating the execution of divine will, whether for blessing or for judgment.

  • Divine Blessing: The most prominent positive use is in God's promise to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing upon His people for their faithfulness with tithes, signifying His overwhelming provision Malachi 3:10.
  • Divine Judgment: The act of "drawing out a sword" is a powerful metaphor for God's active, pursuing judgment against sin and disobedience. This is a recurring theme in the warnings given to Israel (Leviticus 26:33, Ezekiel 12:14).
  • Human Depravity and Conflict: The word is also used to describe wicked intentions, such as the vile person who works to make empty the soul of the hungry Isaiah 32:6 or the enemy who boasts, "I will draw my sword" Exodus 15:9.

Summary

In summary, H7324 moves beyond a simple definition of "to pour out." It encompasses literal acts of emptying, but more powerfully, it serves as a dynamic verb for divine and human action. It illustrates the stark contrast between God pouring out an immense blessing Malachi 3:10 and the unleashing of judgment through a drawn sword Ezekiel 5:12, showing how the act of "emptying" or "unleashing" can signify both ultimate provision and severe consequence.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 19 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 5×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 2×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Hiphil Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Hiphil Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Hophal Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Hophal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Hophal
The passive of the causative (Hiphil) stem.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in Ezekiel (5 verses).

2
Genesis
1
Exodus
1
Leviticus
2
Psalms
1
Ecclesiastes
1
Song of Solomon
1
Isaiah
2
Jeremiah
5
Ezekiel
1
Habakkuk
1
Zechariah
1
Malachi

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