### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רֹמֵמֻת (rômêmuth, `{{H7427}}`) is derived from the active participle of the root רָמַם (ramam), which is closely related to רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." As a feminine noun, רֹמֵמֻת denotes the state or act of "exaltation" or "lifting up." While the base definition includes "lifting up of self," its singular biblical usage clarifies that this "lifting up" is directed *towards God* in praise, rather than a negative self-aggrandizement. Thus, its semantic range is focused on the concept of high praise and the elevation of another, specifically the Divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רֹמֵמֻת (rômêmuth, `{{H7427}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 66:17]]:
"I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise [רֹמֵמֻת] was under my tongue."
In this sole occurrence, the psalmist recounts a personal experience of crying out to God in distress and being delivered. The context is one of profound gratitude and worship. The phrase "high praise was under my tongue" signifies an internal, heartfelt, and ready expression of adoration. It is not merely words spoken, but a deep-seated reverence that wells up from within. Here, רֹמֵמֻת unequivocally refers to the *exaltation of God* through fervent and elevated praise. It underscores the psalmist's recognition of God's supreme power and worthiness of such exalted acknowledgment. The "lifting up" is therefore an act of worship that elevates God above all else.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to רֹמֵמֻת (rômêmuth, `{{H7427}}`) is רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lifted up." This root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, often describing God's majesty (e.g., [[Psalm 99:5]], [[Isaiah 2:11]]), the elevation of individuals (e.g., [[1 Samuel 2:7]]), or the lifting of hands in prayer (e.g., [[Psalm 141:2]]).
Other related words include:
* מָרוֹם (marom, `{{H4791}}`): "height," "high place," "loftiness," frequently used to describe God's dwelling or His exalted nature (e.g., [[Psalm 18:16]]).
* רָם (ram, `{{H7415}}`): an adjective meaning "high," "exalted," or "lofty," often applied to God (e.g., [[Isaiah 57:15]]).
* תְּהִלָּה (tehillah, `{{H8416}}`): "praise," "song of praise," a more general term for adoration, often used in conjunction with "exaltation."
The concept of "exaltation" is central to biblical theology, encompassing God's inherent majesty, His acts of lifting up the humble, and the human response of lifting Him up in worship.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of רֹמֵמֻת (rômêmuth, `{{H7427}}`) in [[Psalm 66:17]] carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes that true worship is not merely an acknowledgment of God's existence or power, but an active, fervent *exaltation* of His character and deeds. The "high praise" described by רֹמֵמֻת is a response to divine deliverance and faithfulness, demonstrating that God is worthy of the highest possible honor and adoration.
This word highlights the vertical dimension of worship: it is a lifting up of God from the human perspective, a recognition of His supreme sovereignty and transcendence. It contrasts sharply with any form of human pride or self-exaltation, which the Bible consistently condemns. Instead, רֹמֵמֻת points to a God-centered worship where the worshiper's focus is entirely on magnifying the Lord. The phrase "under my tongue" suggests an internal readiness and a deep-seated conviction that manifests in outward expression, implying that true praise emanates from the heart and soul.
### Summary
רֹמֵמֻת (rômêmuth, `{{H7427}}`) is a rare but potent Hebrew noun, meaning "exaltation" or "high praise." Its sole occurrence in [[Psalm 66:17]] reveals its specific application to the profound and heartfelt praise directed towards God. Derived from the root רוּם (rum, `{{H7311}}`), meaning "to be high" or "to be lifted up," רֹמֵמֻת signifies the act of elevating God in worship, acknowledging His supreme majesty and worthiness of adoration. Theologically, it underscores the nature of true worship as a God-centered act of exalting the Divine, a fervent and internal response to His mighty acts and faithfulness.
TRV