xlit ruwṭăphash corrected to ruṭăphash; a root compounded from רָטֹב and טָפַשׁ; to be rejuvenated; be fresh.
Transliteration:ruṭăphash
Pronunciation:roo-taf-ash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H7375 (רֻטֲפַשׁ, *ruṭăphash*) carries the core meaning of "to be rejuvenated" or "to be fresh." This rare term is understood to be a compound root, drawing its semantic force from two constituent elements: `{{H7374}}` (רָטֹב, *raṭob*), signifying "to be moist" or "to be fresh," and `{{H2954}}` (טָפַשׁ, *ṭaphash*), meaning "to be thick," "fat," or "dull." The synthesis of these two components suggests a dynamic process: the "freshness" and "moisture" of `{{H7374}}` overcoming or invigorating the "thickness" or potential "dullness" implied by `{{H2954}}`. Thus, ruṭăphash denotes a renewal of vitality, a return to a state of optimal health, vigor, and youthfulness, implying a reversal of decay or decline. It speaks to a qualitative improvement, a blossoming or flourishing that restores one to a pristine condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7375 (רֻטֲפַשׁ, *ruṭăphash*) is a hapax legomenon in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once, in the book of Job. This singular occurrence is found in [[Job 33:25]], within Elihu's discourse concerning God's disciplinary and redemptive work. The verse reads: "His flesh shall be fresher than a child's; he shall return to the days of his youth." Here, ruṭăphash is translated as "fresher," describing a miraculous physical transformation. The context is that of a person who has been afflicted, perhaps near death, but who, through divine intervention and repentance, experiences a profound restoration. The imagery evokes a return to the supple, vibrant skin and robust health characteristic of childhood, contrasting sharply with the emaciation or decay often associated with severe illness or advanced age. This verse highlights God's power not only to heal but to rejuvenate, restoring physical vigor and vitality that surpasses mere recovery, literally reversing the effects of time and affliction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary semantic components of H7375 are `{{H7374}}` (רָטֹב, *raṭob*), meaning "to be moist, fresh," and `{{H2954}}` (טָפַשׁ, *ṭaphash*), meaning "to be thick, fat, dull." `{{H7374}}` directly contributes the idea of freshness and vitality, often associated with healthy vegetation or living tissue. While `{{H2954}}` can imply dullness or insensitivity, in this compound, it may suggest a state of being "thick" or "robust" in a renewed, healthy sense, or it could represent the former state of decline from which one is rejuvenated.
Concepts closely related to the meaning of ruṭăphash include:
* **Renewal and Restoration:** This is a pervasive theme in the Bible, often expressed through terms like `{{H2422}}` (חָיָה, *ḥāyāh*), "to live, revive," or `{{H7725}}` (שׁוּב, *shuv*), "to return," as seen in the latter part of [[Job 33:25]] ("he shall return to the days of his youth").
* **Healing:** The concept of divine healing, where God intervenes to restore health, is intrinsically linked to rejuvenation.
* **Youthfulness:** The comparison to a "child's flesh" emphasizes a return to a state of purity, vigor, and unblemished health.
* **Divine Grace:** The transformation described is an act of God's unmerited favor and power, demonstrating His ability to reverse natural processes.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of H7375 in [[Job 33:25]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power over life and physical well-being. In the context of Job's suffering, Elihu's words offer a glimpse into God's redemptive purpose, suggesting that even dire physical affliction can be reversed by divine grace. The rejuvenation described is not merely a return to a previous state of health but a miraculous restoration to a state of enhanced vitality, "fresher than a child's." This speaks to a holistic salvation that encompasses not only spiritual and emotional healing but also physical renewal. It underscores the biblical understanding that God is intimately concerned with the physical condition of His people and possesses the power to intervene in extraordinary ways. This concept foreshadows a hope of bodily transformation and resurrection, where the limitations of decay and death are ultimately overcome by divine power, offering a tangible illustration of God's capacity to bring life and vigor out of desolation.
### Summary
H7375 (רֻטֲפַשׁ, *ruṭăphash*) is a rare and significant Hebrew term meaning "to be rejuvenated" or "to be fresh," implying a profound restoration of vitality and youthfulness. Its sole occurrence in [[Job 33:25]] describes a miraculous divine act where a person's flesh becomes "fresher than a child's," signifying a complete physical renewal. This word powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to reverse decay and affliction, offering hope for holistic restoration that encompasses physical well-being. Theologically, it highlights God's redemptive power and His intimate involvement in the lives of individuals, providing a compelling image of divine grace that can transform and renew even the body.
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