a primitive root; to emaciate, i.e. make (become) thin (literally or figuratively); famish, wax lean.
Transliteration:râzâh
Pronunciation:raw-zaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7329}}` (רָזָה, *râzâh*) is a primitive verb primarily conveying the sense "to be thin," "to be lean," or "to waste away." Its core meaning encompasses the process of emaciation, whether applied to physical bodies or abstract concepts. The semantic range extends to both literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Emaciation:** Describes a physical state of becoming gaunt, losing flesh, or growing weak due to lack of nourishment, illness, or severe exertion.
* **Figurative Diminishment:** Can denote a decline in strength, prosperity, influence, or vitality. It signifies a reduction, a wasting away, or a weakening of something that was once robust or abundant.
* **Causative Sense:** In some contexts, it can imply "to make thin" or "to cause to waste away," suggesting an external force or action leading to the state of leanness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H7329}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, yet its occurrences are highly significant, illustrating both its literal and figurative dimensions:
* **[[Isaiah 17:4]]**: "In that day the glory of Jacob will be brought low, and the fatness of his flesh will grow lean." Here, the verb is used metaphorically to describe the future decline and diminishment of the "glory of Jacob" (representing Israel's prosperity, power, and population). The contrast with "fatness" underscores a loss of abundance and vitality, indicating a state of judgment or severe reduction.
* **[[Psalm 109:24]]**: "My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt." In this lament, the psalmist describes his profound physical suffering and distress. The verb vividly portrays the physical emaciation resulting from intense fasting, likely undertaken as an act of mourning or desperate prayer amidst persecution. This usage highlights the literal, physical aspect of wasting away due to affliction.
These two primary verbal occurrences demonstrate the dual application of `{{H7329}}`: a figurative portrayal of national decline and a literal description of personal physical suffering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of leanness or emaciation is reinforced and expanded by related Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H7330}}` (רָזוֹן, *razon*)**: This is the direct noun form derived from the root `{{H7329}}`, meaning "leanness" or "emaciation." Its occurrences further illuminate the theological implications of the root:
* **[[Isaiah 10:16]]**: "Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts will send leanness among his stout warriors, and under his glory a burning will be kindled, like the burning of a fire." Here, "leanness" is sent by God upon the Assyrian army, symbolizing a divinely orchestrated weakening and defeat of their formidable strength.
* **[[Psalm 106:15]]**: "He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." This profound verse describes the spiritual consequence of Israel's grumbling and demanding meat in the wilderness (Numbers 11). While God granted their physical desire, He withheld true spiritual nourishment, resulting in a "leanness of soul"—a spiritual impoverishment, a lack of vitality and blessing, despite outward provision.
* **Antonyms/Contrasting Concepts**: Words denoting fatness, abundance, strength, and health serve as conceptual opposites to `{{H7329}}`. Examples include `{{H1277}}` (בָּרִיא, *barî'*, "fat," "plump," as in Pharaoh's dream of the fat and lean cows), and terms related to prosperity and flourishing.
### Theological Significance
The word `{{H7329}}` (רָזָה, *râzâh*), along with its related noun `{{H7330}}`, carries significant theological weight, often functioning as a symbol or consequence within the divine-human relationship:
* **Divine Judgment and Discipline**: Emaciation, whether physical or metaphorical, is frequently depicted as an outcome of God's judgment or discipline. In [[Isaiah 17:4]] and [[Isaiah 10:16]] (via `{{H7330}}`), the "leanness" signifies a divinely imposed decline, a reduction of strength, glory, or population due to unfaithfulness or opposition to God's will. It underscores God's sovereign power to diminish what once seemed mighty.
* **Consequence of Sin and Disobedience**: Particularly evident in [[Psalm 106:15]] (with `{{H7330}}`), "leanness into their soul" serves as a stark warning against spiritual covetousness and rebellion. It illustrates that even when God grants human desires, if those desires are contrary to His will or pursued with a faithless heart, the outcome can be spiritual impoverishment rather than blessing. This "spiritual leanness" is a severe consequence, indicating a lack of true communion and spiritual vitality.
* **Human Suffering and Dependence**: In [[Psalm 109:24]], the psalmist's physical emaciation highlights the depth of human suffering and vulnerability. In such states of physical decline, the individual is often driven to greater reliance on God, seeing Him as the ultimate source of strength and deliverance. It underscores the fragility of the human body and the need for divine sustenance.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H7329}}` (רָזָה, *râzâh*) fundamentally describes the process of becoming thin or emaciated, encompassing both literal physical wasting and figurative diminishment. Its use in the biblical text, though sparse, is potent, illustrating a decline in prosperity or strength ([[Isaiah 17:4]]) and the physical toll of suffering ([[Psalm 109:24]]). Crucially, the related noun `{{H7330}}` (רָזוֹן, *razon*) extends this concept to the realm of divine judgment, signifying a weakening of enemies ([[Isaiah 10:16]]), and profoundly, a spiritual impoverishment or "leanness of soul" that results from misplaced desires and rebellion against God ([[Psalm 106:15]]). Thus, `{{H7329}}` and its cognate convey a powerful theological message about the consequences of human action, the nature of divine judgment, and the vital importance of true spiritual nourishment over mere physical gratification.
TRV