### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rômêmuth**, represented by `{{H7427}}`, means **exaltation** or the **lifting up of self**. It is derived from the active participle of רָמַם. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in a single verse within the entire biblical text, making its context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7427}}` is in [[Isaiah 33:3]], where it describes a powerful display of divine sovereignty. The verse states, "At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the **lifting up** of thyself the nations were scattered." Here, the **lifting up** of God is presented as a direct cause for the scattering `{{H5310}}` of the nations `{{H1471}}`. This act of self-exaltation is shown to be a moment of divine intervention so immense that it disrupts the established order of the world, causing peoples to flee in the face of God's revealed power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of `{{H7427}}`:
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile): This term identifies those who are directly affected by God's exaltation. It is the **nations** that were scattered at the "lifting up" of God [[Isaiah 33:3]]. The term is also used when God promises to make of Abraham a great **nation** [[Genesis 12:2]].
* `{{H5310}}` **nâphats** (to dash to pieces, or scatter): This word describes the direct result of God's action. The nations **were scattered** as a consequence of His exaltation [[Isaiah 33:3]]. This same power is described when God promises to **break in pieces** the nations [[Jeremiah 51:20]].
* `{{H5074}}` **nâdad** (to rove, flee, or to drive away): This word captures the human reaction to the divine event. At the tumult accompanying God's presence, the people **fled** [[Isaiah 33:3]]. This term often implies displacement, as seen when the unfaithful are destined to be **wanderers** among the nations [[Hosea 9:17]].
* `{{H1995}}` **hâmôwn** (a noise, tumult, crowd): This term is paired with the "lifting up," indicating the chaos and commotion that accompanies God's mighty act. The people fled from the **tumult** [[Isaiah 33:3]], which can also refer to a great **multitude** or army [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7427}}` is concentrated in its single, dramatic usage.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The "lifting up" of God is an assertion of ultimate authority. It is an act that single-handedly scatters nations, demonstrating His absolute power over human kingdoms and affairs [[Isaiah 33:3]].
* **Awe and Judgment:** The event is terrifying to humanity. The exaltation is accompanied by a great `noise` `{{H6963}}` and `tumult` `{{H1995}}` that causes people `{{H5971}}` to `flee` `{{H5074}}`. This connects God’s exaltation directly to an act of judgment and dispersion upon the nations.
* **Tangible Manifestation of Power:** `Rômêmuth` is not an abstract concept but a tangible event with real-world consequences. God’s "lifting up" is the direct cause of the scattering of `{{H1471}}` `nations`, showing that His supremacy is not merely a title but an active, world-altering force.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H7427}}` `rômêmuth` appears only once, its meaning is profound. It encapsulates the concept of God's self-exaltation as a decisive and formidable act. In its biblical context, this "lifting up" is an unparalleled display of divine power that brings about judgment, scatters nations, and reveals God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation in a way that cannot be ignored.
TRV