a primitive root; probably to be heavy, i.e. (figuratively) honorable; prince, ruler.
Transliteration:râzan
Pronunciation:raw-zan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H7336}}` (רָזַן, râzan) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental sense of "to be heavy" or "to be weighty." This primary meaning extends figuratively to denote "honor" or "dignity," implying a substantial, significant presence. From this core concept of inherent gravitas and honor, the word develops its primary usage as a noun or participle, referring to "prince" or "ruler." The underlying idea is that those who rule possess a certain weight of authority, a position of honor, and a responsibility that makes them "heavy" in the societal or political sphere. It speaks less to the *act* of ruling and more to the *status* or *character* of one who rules, emphasizing their inherent dignity and the serious nature of their office.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H7336}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in its nominal or participial form (רֹזְנִים, rôznîm), referring to "princes" or "rulers." Its occurrences are limited but significant:
* **[[Judges 5:3]]**: In the Song of Deborah, the call goes out, "Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes (רָזְנִים)!" Here, "princes" are addressed alongside "kings," indicating a class of high-ranking, authoritative leaders. The context is a summons to all earthly powers to acknowledge and witness the mighty acts of the Lord, emphasizing that even those with great human authority are subservient to divine power.
* **[[Habakkuk 1:10]]**: Describing the ruthless Chaldeans, the prophet states, "They scoff at kings, and princes (רֹזְנִים) are a derision to them." This verse highlights the Chaldeans' arrogant disregard for established human authority. The use of `{{H7336}}` here underscores the contempt shown towards those who are typically held in high esteem and possess significant weight in society, demonstrating the Chaldeans' overwhelming and destructive power.
* **[[Proverbs 8:15]]**: Personified Wisdom declares, "By me kings reign, and rulers (רֹזְנִים) decree justice." This is perhaps the most theologically profound usage. It directly attributes the legitimacy and efficacy of human rule—specifically the ability of "rulers" to establish justice—to divine Wisdom. This verse anchors the authority of princes and rulers not in their own strength or cunning, but in the divine order established by God.
Across these contexts, `{{H7336}}` consistently denotes individuals holding positions of significant authority and honor, whose actions and very existence are understood within a larger divine framework.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept conveyed by `{{H7336}}` intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to leadership, authority, and dignity:
* **`{{H4428}}` (melek)**: "King." While melek refers to the specific office of a monarch, râzan often denotes a broader class of high-ranking rulers or princes, sometimes subordinate to kings, but always possessing significant authority.
* **`{{H8269}}` (sar)**: "Prince, chief, official." Sar is a very broad term for a leader or commander, whereas râzan carries a stronger connotation of inherent dignity and the weight of office.
* **`{{H4910}}` (mashal)**: "To rule, govern, have dominion." This verb describes the *act* of ruling, while râzan describes the *status* of the ruler.
* **`{{H7980}}` (shalat)**: "To rule, have dominion, be master." Similar to mashal, focusing on the exercise of power.
* **`{{H3513}}` (kavod)**: "Glory, honor, weight." This word is semantically very close to the root meaning of `{{H7336}}` ("to be heavy, honorable"). The "weight" of kavod often refers to the substantiality, importance, or dignity of a person or thing, directly paralleling the foundational sense of râzan as denoting one who is "weighty" or "honorable." The râzan is one who possesses kavod in their office.
These related terms help to delineate the specific nuance of `{{H7336}}`, which emphasizes the inherent dignity and the serious, weighty nature of the princely office, often implying a divine sanction or connection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7336}}` is profound, particularly as illuminated by [[Proverbs 8:15]]. This verse establishes a crucial biblical principle: human authority, especially that of rulers and judges, is not autonomous but divinely ordained and empowered. Wisdom, often understood as an attribute of God or even a pre-existent divine agent, is the ultimate source by which "rulers decree justice." This highlights:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Governance**: God is the ultimate fount of all legitimate authority. Even those who hold positions of "weight" and honor do so by divine allowance and empowerment.
2. **The Sacredness of Office**: The "weight" or "heaviness" associated with `{{H7336}}` implies that the office of a ruler is a serious, solemn charge, not to be taken lightly. It carries inherent dignity because it is linked to divine order.
3. **Accountability of Rulers**: While not explicitly stated within the word's definition, the divine source of authority implicitly demands accountability. Rulers are expected to exercise their God-given power to "decree justice," reflecting God's own character.
4. **God's Use of Human Agents**: God works through human rulers to maintain order and dispense justice in the world, even when those rulers may be unaware of their divine mandate or act in opposition to it (as seen with the Chaldeans in Habakkuk).
Ultimately, `{{H7336}}` points to a biblical understanding of leadership that is grounded in divine purpose and carries a significant spiritual weight, far beyond mere political power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7336}}` (רָזַן, râzan) is a primitive root whose core meaning of "to be heavy" or "to be weighty" extends figuratively to "honorable" and, by extension, to "prince" or "ruler." This term emphasizes the inherent dignity, gravitas, and substantial authority of those who govern. Biblical occurrences in [[Judges 5:3]], [[Habakkuk 1:10]], and [[Proverbs 8:15]] consistently portray râzan as high-ranking leaders or princes. The most significant theological insight comes from Proverbs, which asserts that the legitimacy and ability of "rulers" to enact justice are derived from divine Wisdom. Thus, `{{H7336}}` underscores the biblical principle that human authority is divinely sanctioned, carries a profound spiritual weight, and is ultimately subject to God's sovereign plan, demanding a serious and just exercise of power.
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