from an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point; buckler, javelin, lancet, spear.
Transliteration:rômach
Pronunciation:ro'-makh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7420 (רֹמַח, *rômach*) denotes an offensive weapon, primarily a "lance" or "spear." Its etymology points to an unused root signifying "to hurl" or "to thrust," underscoring its design for throwing or close-quarters piercing. While the base definition also includes "javelin" and "lancet," emphasizing its piercing nature, the most common rendering is "spear" or "lance." The mention of "especially the iron point" highlights the critical, lethal component of the weapon. The occasional translation as "buckler" (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 12:8]] KJV) is an anomaly, as *rômach* fundamentally describes an offensive, projectile-oriented weapon, not a defensive shield. This particular translation might stem from a broader ancient understanding of a small, throwable shield, or perhaps a misinterpretation of a specific contextual usage, but it deviates from the core semantic range rooted in the act of hurling or thrusting. Thus, *rômach* primarily signifies a weapon designed for active engagement and inflicting harm, whether thrown from a distance or used in hand-to-hand combat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H7420 appears a limited number of times in the Old Testament, primarily in contexts describing military equipment and battle scenes. It is frequently found alongside other armaments, painting a picture of ancient armies and their preparations for war. For instance, in [[1 Chronicles 12:8]], the Gadites who joined David are described as mighty men "armed with buckler and spear" (*rômach*), though "spear" is the more fitting translation here, emphasizing their offensive capability. Similarly, [[2 Chronicles 11:12]] mentions Rehoboam strengthening fortified cities and putting "shields and spears" (*rômach*) in them, indicating standard military provisioning.
The use of *rômach* consistently places it within the realm of human conflict and the tools of warfare. It appears in descriptions of the strength of armies, such as in [[2 Chronicles 25:5]], where Amaziah numbers his men, finding them "able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield." Its presence underscores the physical reality of ancient combat, where such weapons were essential for both offense and defense (in the sense of wielding a weapon to ward off an attack, distinct from a shield). The term is concrete, referring directly to the physical instrument of war, without significant metaphorical extension in its biblical usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H7420 (rômach) is closely intertwined with other Hebrew terms for weaponry and military concepts.
* **`{{H2595}}` (chanith):** This is another common word for "spear" or "lance," often referring to a larger, heavier weapon, perhaps more for thrusting than throwing. While both *rômach* and *chanith* translate to "spear," *rômach* emphasizes the "hurl" aspect, suggesting a lighter, more agile weapon, or one specifically designed for throwing.
* **`{{H7973}}` (shelach):** A broader term for "missile," "weapon," or "dart," encompassing any thrown object used as a weapon. *Rômach* could be considered a specific type of *shelach*.
* **`{{H2772}}` (cherev):** "Sword," the quintessential close-combat weapon.
* **`{{H7198}}` (qesheth):** "Bow," representing ranged projectile weaponry.
* **`{{H4043}}` (magen) and `{{H6791}}` (tsinnah):** Terms for "shield," representing defensive armaments, often contrasted with offensive weapons like *rômach*.
Beyond specific weapons, *rômach* is conceptually linked to:
* **Warfare (מִלְחָמָה, *milchamah*):** The broader context in which *rômach* is employed.
* **Warrior (גִּבּוֹר, *gibbor*):** The one who wields such a weapon.
* **Strength and Might:** The physical power and military prowess that *rômach* represents.
### Theological Significance
While H7420 (rômach) itself is a concrete term for a weapon and not inherently theological, its consistent appearance in military contexts contributes to several significant biblical themes. Primarily, it serves as a tangible representation of human strength and the means by which nations engage in conflict. The biblical narrative frequently contrasts reliance on such human instruments of war with trust in the divine. [[Psalm 33:16-17]] declares, "No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite its great strength, it cannot save." This sentiment implicitly applies to the *rômach* and all other human armaments: they are ultimately insufficient without God's favor.
The theological significance of *rômach* lies in its role in illustrating the vanity of human power when pitted against the sovereignty of God. While nations prepare for war with their spears and lances, the outcome is ultimately determined by the Lord ([[Proverbs 21:31]]). Thus, *rômach* serves as a reminder that true security and victory do not reside in the sharpness of a spear or the strength of an army, but in the unwavering faithfulness and power of Yahweh. It grounds the abstract concept of human might in a concrete, deadly object, allowing the biblical authors to highlight the transient nature of such power in the face of divine omnipotence.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H7420 (רֹמַח, *rômach*) fundamentally denotes a "lance" or "spear," deriving from an unused root signifying "to hurl" or "to thrust." It primarily describes an offensive weapon designed for piercing or throwing, often specifically referring to its iron point. While occasionally translated as "buckler," its core meaning and consistent biblical usage firmly establish it as an instrument of attack, such as a javelin or spear. Its occurrences are almost exclusively found in military contexts, describing the armaments of soldiers and the provisions of armies, thereby illustrating the practical realities of ancient warfare. Theologically, *rômach* serves as a poignant symbol of human strength and military might, which the biblical text often contrasts with the ultimate and decisive power of God. It underscores the theme that reliance on physical weaponry is futile without divine favor, directing the reader's trust away from human armaments and towards the sovereign Lord.
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