active participle of רוּם; high; Ram, the name of an Arabian and of an Israelite; Ram. See also בֵּית הָרָם.
Transliteration:Râm
Pronunciation:rawm
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H7410 (רָם, Râm) functions primarily as a proper noun, yet its etymology provides significant insight into its underlying meaning. It is identified as an active participle of the verb `{{H7311}}` (rûm), which signifies "to be high, exalted, lifted up, or elevated." Consequently, the name "Ram" inherently carries the semantic weight of "high" or "exalted." While its direct usage in the biblical text is limited to personal names, this root meaning subtly imbues the individuals bearing the name with a sense of prominence or distinction, whether by birth, lineage, or character. The Strong's definition also makes a note of בֵּית הָרָם (Beth-haram), suggesting a potential etymological or conceptual link to a place name embodying the idea of "house of the high place" or "house of Ram," though biblical occurrences of H7410 are exclusively for individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7410 appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, both as a personal name:
1. **Ram, Son of Hezron and Ancestor of David:** This is the most prominent usage. Ram is a significant figure in the genealogies of Judah, being the son of Hezron, grandson of Perez, and great-grandson of Judah. He is listed as an ancestor of King David and, subsequently, of Jesus Christ. His appearances include:
* [[Ruth 4:19]]: "Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Amminadab." This verse establishes his place in the lineage leading to David.
* [[1 Chronicles 2:9]]: "The sons of Hezron who were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai."
* [[1 Chronicles 2:10]]: "Ram begot Amminadab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, leader of the sons of Judah."
* [[1 Chronicles 2:25]]: "The sons of Jerahmeel, the firstborn of Hezron: Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, and Ahijah." This verse re-emphasizes Ram's position as Hezron's firstborn through Jerahmeel's line, though the primary lineage follows Ram directly from Hezron.
* [[1 Chronicles 2:27]]: "The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker." These verses from Chronicles reinforce his genealogical importance within the tribe of Judah. His inclusion in these vital genealogies underscores his foundational role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
2. **Ram, Ancestor of Elihu:** In the book of Job, Ram is mentioned as the familial origin of Elihu, one of Job's counselors:
* [[Job 32:2]]: "Then the anger of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job." This "Ram" is distinct from the Israelite Ram. The Buzites were an Aramaean tribe, suggesting this Ram was of an Arabian or Edomite lineage. Here, the name serves to identify Elihu's tribal or familial background, linking him to a specific, non-Israelite group. While the name is the same, the context distinguishes the individual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root `{{H7311}}` (rûm), meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." This root is prolific in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in various forms to describe:
* **Physical height:** Mountains, tall structures.
* **Exaltation of God:** God's majesty, His being "high and lifted up" ([[Isaiah 6:1]]).
* **Human pride/arrogance:** "High-mindedness" or haughtiness.
* **Elevation in status:** Being promoted or honored.
* **Offerings:** "Heave offerings" (terumah) are literally "lifted up" offerings.
Other related terms that share a similar conceptual field of "height" or "eminence" include:
* `{{H7218}}` (rosh): "head, top, chief," denoting leadership or prominence.
* `{{H7412}}` (Ramiah): A personal name meaning "Jehovah has exalted," directly incorporating the root.
* `{{H7413}}` (Ramath): A place name meaning "heights."
The conceptual link between the name "Ram" and the idea of "exaltation" is thus deeply embedded in the Hebrew lexicon.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7410 largely stems from its role in the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.
1. **Messianic Lineage:** Ram's most profound theological importance lies in his position within the genealogical line that culminates in King David and, ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. His inclusion in these sacred records ([[Ruth 4:19]], [[1 Chronicles 2:9-10]]) underscores God's meticulous preservation and guidance of the covenant line. The name "Ram," meaning "exalted," subtly foreshadows the ultimate exaltation of his descendant, the King of Kings, whose throne is established forever. This illustrates divine providence working through human generations, ensuring the fulfillment of prophetic promises.
2. **Divine Wisdom and Revelation:** In the context of Elihu ([[Job 32:2]]), the mention of "Ram" serves to identify his lineage. While not directly tied to the Israelite Ram, the very name, signifying "exalted," could subtly hint at a lineage known for insight or a capacity for elevated understanding, especially given Elihu's role as the one who finally brings a more profound, God-centered perspective to the debate with Job. His wisdom is presented as being "from God" ([[Job 32:8]]), suggesting that even outside the direct covenant line, God can raise up individuals with significant insight.
3. **Theological Echoes of Exaltation:** The root meaning of "high" or "exalted" embedded in the name serves as a constant, if subtle, reminder of God's own exalted nature (`{{H7311}}`). It also points to the biblical theme of God raising up the humble and exalting those who fear Him, as well as the ultimate exaltation of His Son, Jesus, who was "highly exalted" ([[Philippians 2:9]]) after His humility and obedience.
### Summary
H7410 (רָם, Râm) is a Hebrew proper noun, primarily serving as the name of two distinct individuals in the biblical narrative. Etymologically, it derives from the verb `{{H7311}}` (rûm), meaning "to be high, exalted, or lifted up," imbuing the name with a sense of prominence. The most significant biblical figure bearing this name is Ram, the son of Hezron, who holds a crucial position in the Davidic and ultimately Messianic lineage, as recorded in [[Ruth 4:19]] and [[1 Chronicles 2:9-10]]. His presence in these genealogies highlights God's faithful preservation of the covenant line leading to Christ. A second individual named Ram is identified as the ancestor of Elihu, one of Job's counselors, in [[Job 32:2]], connecting him to an Aramaean/Arabian tribal background. The underlying meaning of "exalted" within the name "Ram" subtly points to the themes of divine providence, the elevation of God's chosen, and the ultimate exaltation of the Messiah.
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