### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רָמוּת (râmûwth, `{{H7419}}`) is derived from the verbal root רוּם (ruwm, `{{H7311}}`), which fundamentally means "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." As a noun, רָמוּת (râmûwth) therefore signifies a state or condition of being "high" or "exalted." While its base definition may include "a heap (of carcasses)," implying a piled-up or elevated mass, its sole biblical occurrence strongly emphasizes the abstract sense of "height" or "exaltation." It points to the quality or state of being elevated, whether physically or metaphorically.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רָמוּת (râmûwth, `{{H7419}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 17:24]]**: "And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it."
In this highly symbolic prophetic oracle, God declares His sovereign power over nations, likening them to trees. The "high tree" (עֵץ גָּבֹהַּ, 'ets gavohah) represents a nation or entity that has attained a position of power and pride. The term רָמוּת (râmûwth) here functions as an abstract noun modifying or describing the state of this "high tree," emphasizing its elevated status or "height." The contrast is drawn with the "low tree" (עֵץ שָׁפָל, 'ets shaphal), which God promises to exalt. The context is unequivocally about divine judgment and restoration, where God demonstrates His absolute control over the rise and fall of earthly powers. The meaning of "height" or "exaltation" in this verse aligns perfectly with the root רוּם (ruwm, `{{H7311}}`) and its various derivatives that speak of being lifted up.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb רוּם (ruwm, `{{H7311}}`), from which רָמוּת (râmûwth) is derived. This root is prolific in Hebrew, giving rise to a family of words associated with elevation, exaltation, and prominence.
* **Direct Derivatives of רוּם (ruwm, `{{H7311}}`):**
* רָם (ram, `{{H7417}}`): An adjective meaning "high," "exalted," "lofty," often used to describe God's dwelling place, mountains, or arrogant individuals.
* מָרוֹם (marom, `{{H4791}}`): A noun meaning "height," "high place," "heaven," or "exaltation." Frequently refers to God's exalted abode.
* תְּרוּמָה (terumah, `{{H8641}}`): A noun meaning "contribution" or "heave offering," literally something "lifted up" or "set apart."
* רוֹמֵמוּת (romemuth, `{{H7316}}`): A noun meaning "exaltation," "loftiness," often in the context of praise to God.
* **Contrasting Concepts:**
* שָׁפָל (shaphal, `{{H8213}}`): The antonym, meaning "low," "humble," "abased," "brought low." This word is explicitly used in [[Ezekiel 17:24]] in direct opposition to the concept of "height" or "exaltation."
* שְׁפֵלָה (shefelah, `{{H8219}}`): A noun referring to "lowland" or "valley."
The semantic field of רָמוּת (râmûwth) thus encompasses the full spectrum of elevation, from physical height to abstract concepts of power, pride, and divine exaltation.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, רָמוּת (râmûwth, `{{H7419}}`) carries significant theological weight within the context of [[Ezekiel 17:24]]. It serves as a potent descriptor of the state of human or national pride and self-exaltation that stands in opposition to God's ultimate sovereignty. The passage vividly illustrates the divine principle that God "brings down the high tree" and "exalts the low tree." This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's prerogative to humble the proud and lift up the humble (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:7-8]], [[Psalm 75:7]], [[Luke 1:52]], [[Luke 14:11]], [[James 4:6]]).
The "height" represented by רָמוּת (râmûwth) is that which humanity may achieve through its own efforts or pride, but which is ultimately subject to God's judgment and control. It underscores that true and lasting elevation comes solely from God's hand, not from worldly power or self-assertion. The very act of God bringing down such "height" reveals His justice and the absolute nature of His dominion over all creation and all earthly kingdoms.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun רָמוּת (râmûwth, `{{H7419}}`) is a rare term, appearing only once in the biblical text. Derived from the root רוּם (ruwm, `{{H7311}}`) meaning "to be high" or "exalted," רָמוּת (râmûwth) denotes "height" or "exaltation." In its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 17:24]], it describes the elevated status of a "high tree," symbolizing a proud nation or entity. This usage highlights God's sovereign power to humble the exalted and raise the lowly, a foundational theological principle. The word thus serves as a concise yet powerful reminder of divine control over human destiny and the ultimate futility of pride apart from God.
TRV