feminine active participle of רוּם; a height (as a seat of idolatry); high place.
Transliteration:râmâh
Pronunciation:raw-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7413 (רָמָה, *râmâh*) is identified as the feminine active participle of the verb `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*), meaning "to be high, exalted, lifted up." Etymologically, therefore, *râmâh* signifies "a height," "an elevated place," or "that which is lifted up." The base definition provided for H7413 specifically extends this literal meaning to include "a height (as a seat of idolatry); high place." This indicates a crucial theological nuance: while the word inherently describes physical elevation, its significant biblical connotation, when used as a common noun, points to locations associated with illicit religious practices. It denotes not merely a topographical feature, but a site often imbued with negative spiritual significance due to its use in worship contrary to Yahweh's commands.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the base definition for H7413 points to its potential as a common noun for an idolatrous "high place," it is important to note that the term H7413 (רָמָה) predominantly appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun, "Ramah." This name designates various significant geographical locations throughout Israelite history, such as Ramah of Benjamin ([[Joshua 18:25]]), Ramah in Ephraim, the hometown of Samuel ([[1 Samuel 1:19]], [[1 Samuel 7:17]]), and other places. The use of "Ramah" as a place name is entirely consistent with the root meaning of "height," as many ancient settlements were strategically located on elevated ground.
Despite its primary usage as a proper noun, the *definition* provided for H7413 ("a height (as a seat of idolatry); high place") highlights a theological understanding of elevated places that were often co-opted for non-Yahwistic worship. While H7413 itself is not commonly translated as "idolatrous high place" in the biblical text (a role more frequently filled by `{{H1116}}`, *bāmāh*), the very inclusion of this connotation in its base definition underscores the biblical authors' consistent concern regarding unauthorized worship sites. The concept of "high places" as centers of idolatry or syncretistic worship is a pervasive theme, particularly in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, where kings are often judged by their actions regarding these sites, even if the specific word H7413 is not directly applied to them in this common noun sense.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core meaning of H7413 is inextricably linked to its root verb, `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*), which encompasses a broad semantic range including "to be high," "to be exalted," "to be lifted up," and "to be eminent." This root is used to describe God's exaltation ([[Psalm 99:5]]), the lifting of hands in prayer ([[Psalm 141:2]]), and even human pride ([[Proverbs 16:18]]).
Crucially, H7413 also relates conceptually to `{{H1116}}` (בָּמָה, *bāmāh*), the more common Hebrew term for "high place." While *râmâh* emphasizes the *physical elevation* derived from its root, *bāmāh* specifically refers to the cultic site, whether legitimate (in early Israelite history) or, more frequently, illegitimate and idolatrous. Both terms, when used in a religious context, often carry negative connotations of deviation from centralized worship and the purity of Yahwistic faith. Other related concepts include altars, sacred groves, and sites of pagan worship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7413, particularly as defined with "a seat of idolatry," resides in its implicit critique of unauthorized worship. In ancient Near Eastern religions, elevated places were often considered closer to the divine realm, making them natural sites for altars and cultic activities. However, for Israel, after the establishment of the Mosaic Law and the eventual centralization of worship in Jerusalem, any worship conducted on "high places" outside the divinely appointed sanctuary was considered illegitimate and an affront to Yahweh's singularity and sovereignty.
The "high place" (whether *râmâh* or *bāmāh*) thus becomes a symbol of spiritual compromise, syncretism, and rebellion against God's covenantal demands. It represents a departure from the purity of worship, often involving practices associated with Canaanite fertility cults, astral worship, or even the worship of Yahweh in an unapproved manner. The biblical narrative frequently laments the kings who "did not remove the high places," indicating a persistent spiritual struggle within Israel to maintain exclusive devotion to Yahweh ([[2 Kings 15:4]], [[2 Kings 23:5]]). The definition of H7413 as a potential "seat of idolatry" therefore serves as a reminder of the inherent danger and theological impurity associated with worship that deviates from God's prescribed will.
### Summary
H7413 (רָמָה, *râmâh*) fundamentally denotes "a height" or "an elevated place," stemming from the verb `{{H7311}}` (רוּם, *rûm*), "to be high." While its primary biblical occurrence is as a proper noun for various geographical locations named "Ramah," its provided base definition crucially extends to include "a height (as a seat of idolatry); high place." This highlights a significant theological concern: the use of elevated sites for illicit worship practices. Though H7413 itself is rarely translated as an idolatrous "high place" in the common noun sense (a role more often filled by `{{H1116}}`, *bāmāh*), its definition underscores the pervasive biblical condemnation of unauthorized cultic activity on such elevated sites. The theological significance lies in the warning against spiritual deviation and the importance of pure, centralized worship in accordance with God's commands.
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