### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רָזִי (*râzîy*, `{{H7334}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root רָזָה (*râzâh*, `{{H7333}}`), which fundamentally means "to be lean," "to become thin," or "to waste away." Consequently, רָזִי denotes a state of "thinness," "leanness," or "emaciation." It describes a physical condition characterized by a lack of substance, a diminished state of being, often implying a decline in health, strength, or vitality. While its primary reference is to physical attenuation, in its biblical usage, it extends metaphorically to describe a spiritual or national decline, a loss of prosperity, or a sense of profound inner depletion. The semantic range is tightly focused on this concept of diminishment and wasting away.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רָזִי (*râzîy*) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances occurring in the prophetic book of Isaiah, within chapters that speak of judgment and desolation.
* **[[Isaiah 17:4]]**: "And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean." Here, רָזִי is used in parallel with other terms denoting diminishment ("made thin," יִדַּל, and "wax lean," יֵרָזֶה). It describes the reduction of Jacob's (Israel's) glory and the "fatness" (מִשְׁמָן), which typically symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and strength. The context is one of divine judgment against Damascus and Ephraim, where their former strength and splendor will be stripped away, leaving them in a state of leanness and desolation. This metaphorical leanness signifies a severe decline in national power, wealth, and influence.
* **[[Isaiah 24:16]]**: "From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously." In this passage, רָזִי is used emphatically by the prophet Isaiah, repeated twice ("My leanness, my leanness"). This lament expresses a profound sense of personal or national distress and despair. It refers not merely to physical emaciation but to a deep spiritual or existential exhaustion, a profound sense of depletion and helplessness in the face of widespread treachery and unrighteousness. The prophet's "leanness" reflects the overwhelming burden of witnessing the devastating effects of sin and the impending divine judgment upon the earth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root רָזָה (*râzâh*, `{{H7333}}`)**: As the verbal root of רָזִי, this word consistently conveys the idea of becoming lean or wasting away. It is used in contexts describing physical deterioration, such as the curse of leanness in [[Psalm 106:15]] or the wasting away of the wicked in [[Job 16:8]]. Its connection to רָזִי reinforces the core meaning of diminishment.
* **Antonymic Concepts**: The antithesis of רָזִי would be terms signifying "fatness," "abundance," "fullness," or "prosperity." Examples include דֶּשֶׁן (*deshen*, `{{H1880}}`, "fatness, richness"), שָׁמֵן (*shamen*, `{{H8082}}`, "fat, prosperous"), or מִשְׁמָן (*mishman*, `{{H4924}}`, "fatness, richness"). The biblical contrast between leanness and fatness often serves as a powerful metaphor for poverty versus wealth, weakness versus strength, or judgment versus blessing.
* **Thematic Connections**: The broader concept of "wasting away" or "diminishment" is also expressed through other Hebrew terms that describe decline, weakness, or desolation, such as דָּלַל (*dalal*, `{{H1809}}`, "to be poor, weak, thin") or חָרֵב (*khareb*, `{{H2717}}`, "to be dry, waste, desolate"). These terms collectively contribute to a biblical lexicon depicting loss, judgment, or suffering.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of רָזִי in Isaiah are imbued with profound theological significance, serving as a vivid metaphor for divine judgment and its consequences.
In [[Isaiah 17:4]], the "leanness" of Jacob's glory signifies God's punitive action against a people who have strayed from the covenant. It illustrates the stripping away of human pride, prosperity, and perceived security when they rely on their own strength or on foreign alliances rather than on the Lord. The physical metaphor of wasting away powerfully conveys the spiritual and national decline that inevitably results from disobedience and idolatry. It underscores the principle that true flourishing is contingent upon covenant faithfulness.
In [[Isaiah 24:16]], Isaiah's repeated lament of "my leanness" reflects a deep spiritual and emotional anguish. This is not merely a personal physical ailment but a profound identification with the suffering and desolation brought upon the earth by pervasive sin and divine judgment. The prophet's "leanness" can be understood as a spiritual exhaustion, a profound sense of depletion and despair arising from witnessing the widespread treachery and the devastating impact of God's wrath. It highlights the heavy burden carried by those who discern the depth of human depravity and the certainty of divine retribution.
Theologically, רָזִי thus underscores the precariousness of human flourishing apart from God's blessing and the devastating impact of sin. It serves as a stark reminder that disobedience leads to diminishment, decay, and a loss of vitality, contrasting sharply with the abundance, strength, and life found in a right relationship with the Holy One of Israel.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָזִי (*râzîy*, `{{H7334}}`) denotes "thinness" or "leanness," stemming from the root רָזָה (`{{H7333}}`), meaning "to waste away." Its two occurrences in the book of Isaiah function as potent metaphors for decline, judgment, and the dire consequences of sin. In [[Isaiah 17:4]], רָזִי describes the diminishing glory and prosperity of Jacob, symbolizing a loss of strength and abundance due to divine judgment. In [[Isaiah 24:16]], the prophet Isaiah's emphatic lament, "My leanness, my leanness," conveys a profound personal or national distress and spiritual exhaustion in the face of pervasive treachery and impending judgment. Theologically, רָזִי powerfully illustrates the principle that unfaithfulness leads to a state of depletion and decay, contrasting sharply with the fullness of life and blessing found in covenant obedience to God. It serves as a solemn reminder of the spiritual and existential toll exacted by sin and divine wrath.
TRV