a primitive root; to twinkle the eye (in mockery); wink.
Transliteration:râzam
Pronunciation:raw-zam'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H7335 râzam is a primitive verb, signifying the action "to twinkle the eye" or "to wink." Crucially, its semantic range is narrowed by the explicit connotation of "mockery" or malicious intent. This is not an innocent or playful wink, but rather a non-verbal gesture indicative of hidden counsel, conspiracy, deceit, or contempt. It implies a secret communication of ill will or a shared understanding of perverse intent, often used by those who plot evil. The action itself is subtle, yet its underlying meaning is profoundly negative, pointing to an inward disposition of wickedness that finds outward, albeit covert, expression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7335 râzam appears only once in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Proverbs:
* **[[Proverbs 16:30]]**: "He who winks his eye plans perverse things; he who compresses his lips brings evil to pass."
In this sole occurrence, râzam is directly linked to the planning of "perverse things" (מַהְפְּכוֹת, *mahpekōṯ*). The verse employs parallelism, contrasting the winking of the eye with the compressing of the lips, both actions serving as external indicators of an internal state of malicious plotting. The physical gesture of winking is portrayed as a subtle, often secretive, sign of a mind actively engaged in devising wickedness. The context is within the wisdom literature, which frequently exposes the characteristics and methods of the wicked, underscoring how even their non-verbal cues betray their corrupt intentions. The verse suggests that such actions are not random but are deliberate manifestations of a perverse will, signaling a deeper moral depravity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by H7335 râzam is illuminated by its association with other Hebrew words and broader biblical themes:
* **Non-verbal Communication of Malice:** The word stands alongside other expressions describing deceptive or malicious non-verbal cues. For instance, the "scornful eye" (`{{H5869}}` *ʻayin* combined with terms for scorn) or the "proud look" are condemned in wisdom literature.
* **Plotting and Devising Evil:** The parallel phrase "plans perverse things" connects râzam to the broader concept of malicious intent and conspiracy. Related verbs include `{{H2154}}` (*zāmam*), "to devise" or "plot," often with a negative connotation (e.g., [[Psalm 37:12]]).
* **Deceit and Treachery:** The secretive nature of the wink aligns with words describing deceit (`{{H4820}}` *mirmah*) and treachery. It is an action of those who operate in darkness, avoiding overt confrontation but pursuing wicked ends.
* **Perversion:** The "perverse things" (*mahpekōṯ*) are those which are twisted or contrary to divine order and righteousness. This connects the subtle act of winking to a fundamental moral distortion.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H7335 râzam in [[Proverbs 16:30]] carries significant theological weight within the framework of biblical wisdom.
1. **Divine Omniscience:** The fact that the Bible records even such a subtle, non-verbal gesture as a sign of wickedness speaks to God's comprehensive knowledge. Nothing, not even the most covert or fleeting expression of malice, escapes His notice. It reinforces the truth that God sees not merely outward actions but discerns the intentions of the heart (cf. [[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
2. **The Nature of Sin:** The verse highlights that sin is not merely an outward act but originates in the heart and mind. The wink is an external manifestation of an internal, perverse plan. This aligns with the biblical understanding that evil thoughts and intentions are themselves sinful, preceding and often leading to overt transgressions.
3. **Character of the Wicked:** Râzam contributes to the biblical portrait of the wicked, who often operate with cunning and deceit rather than straightforwardness. Their communication is often veiled, their intentions hidden, and their actions designed to undermine righteousness without immediate detection.
4. **Call to Integrity:** By exposing such subtle forms of malice, the text implicitly calls the righteous to integrity and transparency, where their outward demeanor genuinely reflects a heart devoted to God and truth, in stark contrast to the deceptive nature of the "winker."
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7335 râzam uniquely describes the act of "winking the eye" specifically as a sign of mockery, malice, or conspiracy. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Proverbs 16:30]] powerfully links this subtle, non-verbal gesture to the internal plotting of "perverse things." The word underscores the biblical teaching that sin originates in the heart and mind, manifesting even in covert physical expressions. Theologically, râzam serves as a potent reminder of God's omniscience, discerning even the most hidden intentions, and contributes to the detailed biblical portrayal of the insidious nature of wickedness. It stands as a testament to the comprehensive scope of divine wisdom, which examines not only grand actions but also the most minute and clandestine expressions of human depravity.
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