### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term râzôwn (`{{H7332}}`) originates from the root râzâh (`{{H7329}}`), which conveys the primary sense of "to be thin," "to waste away," or "to become lean." As a noun, râzôwn therefore denotes a state of "thinness," "leanness," or "emaciation." Beyond the purely physical, its semantic range extends idiomatically to describe "scantness" or "meagerness." This broader application implies a deficiency, lack, or reduction from a state of fullness, health, or abundance, often carrying connotations of weakness, decline, or impoverishment. The core concept is one of diminution, a stark contrast to prosperity or flourishing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term râzôwn (`{{H7332}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance profoundly illuminating its theological implications:
* **[[Isaiah 10:16]]**: "Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones; and under his glory he will kindle a burning like the burning of a fire."
* In this prophetic oracle against Assyria, râzôwn ("leanness") is presented as a direct consequence of divine judgment. The "fat ones" represent the Assyrian military and political elite, symbolizing their strength, prosperity, and arrogance. God declares that He will send "leanness" among them, a powerful metaphor for their impending decline, loss of power, and destruction. This leanness is not merely physical but signifies a comprehensive weakening and the dismantling of their oppressive might, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nations and His capacity to humble the proud.
* **[[Psalm 106:15]]**: "And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."
* This verse recounts a moment of Israel's rebellion in the wilderness, specifically their insatiable craving for meat (cf. Numbers 11). Despite their sinful demand, God granted their request. However, the accompanying consequence was "leanness into their soul." This is a deeply significant spiritual metaphor. It suggests that even when desires are met, if they are pursued outside of God's perfect will or born of distrust and rebellion, they can lead to spiritual impoverishment, a debilitating emptiness, or a profound lack of true nourishment. The material gain resulted in spiritual atrophy, highlighting that true satisfaction and vitality come from God alone, not from self-gratification.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding râzôwn (`{{H7332}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **râzâh (`{{H7329}}`):** The verbal root from which râzôwn is derived, meaning "to be thin," "to waste away," or "to grow lean." This direct connection reinforces the core physical and metaphorical sense of diminution.
* **dâlal (`{{H1809}}`):** Meaning "to be low," "to be weak," or "to be poor." This term shares the concept of reduction or weakness, often in a social or economic sense.
* **châsar (`{{H2637}}`):** Meaning "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to diminish." This aligns with the "scantness" aspect of râzôwn, referring to a state of deficiency.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* **dâshēn (`{{H1879}}`):** "Fat," "rich," "prosperous." Often used to describe abundance, blessing, and spiritual flourishing (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:25]]). This stands in direct opposition to the concept of râzôwn.
* **shâbēaʿ (`{{H7646}}`):** "Satisfied," "full," "abundant." Represents a state of contentment and completeness, the antithesis of "leanness into the soul."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of râzôwn (`{{H7332}}`) is profound and consistent across its biblical occurrences. It functions as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the spiritual consequences of human sin.
In [[Isaiah 10:16]], "leanness" represents God's sovereign power to humble the arrogant and to bring about the downfall of oppressive empires. It underscores the principle that human strength and pride, when arrayed against God's will, will ultimately waste away. This divine action demonstrates God's justice and His commitment to upholding righteousness.
In [[Psalm 106:15]], râzôwn serves as a stark theological warning about the perils of rebellion and demanding desires outside of God's perfect provision. The "leanness into their soul" illustrates that even granted desires can become a curse if they are not aligned with a heart of trust and obedience. It highlights that true spiritual well-being and nourishment are not found in material abundance or self-gratification, but in communion with God and adherence to His ways. This concept underscores the biblical truth that God desires to bless His people with spiritual fullness, but disobedience can lead to a debilitating spiritual emptiness, a profound lack of true life and vitality. Râzôwn thus stands as a vivid metaphor for spiritual atrophy, the absence of divine favor, and the ultimate futility of pursuing life apart from God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word râzôwn (`{{H7332}}`), stemming from râzâh (`{{H7329}}`), primarily denotes "thinness" or "leanness," extending to "scantness" or "meagerness." Though appearing only twice in the biblical text, its usage is exceptionally potent. In [[Isaiah 10:16]], it signifies the divine judgment of God sending "leanness" upon the proud and powerful Assyrians, leading to their comprehensive decline. Even more poignantly, [[Psalm 106:15]] reveals God granting Israel's rebellious request for meat but sending "leanness into their soul," powerfully illustrating the spiritual emptiness and debilitating consequences that can accompany desires fulfilled outside of God's perfect will. Thus, râzôwn consistently functions as a profound theological metaphor for divine judgment, the spiritual impoverishment resulting from disobedience, and the ultimate contrast between true flourishing found in God and the devastating effects of self-will and rebellion.
TRV