intensive from רָנַן; shouting (for joy); singing.
Transliteration:rannên
Pronunciation:ran-nane'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word rannên (`{{H7444}}`) is an intensive verbal form derived from the root rânan (`{{H7442}}`). While rânan broadly means "to give a ringing cry," "to shout for joy," or "to sing aloud," the intensive rannên amplifies this meaning. It conveys a heightened, sustained, or emphatic expression of joy, triumph, or praise through vocalization. This can manifest as a loud, clear "shouting" or a resounding "singing," always implying a sound that is not muted but rather declarative and celebratory. It is an uninhibited outpouring of emotion through sound, often in response to divine action or presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term rannên (`{{H7444}}`) appears primarily in poetic and prophetic literature, consistently denoting a vigorous vocal expression of joy, triumph, or praise.
* **Expressions of Personal Deliverance and Righteousness:** In the Psalms, rannên frequently describes the joyful response of an individual delivered by God. For instance, in [[Psalm 32:7]], the psalmist declares God as his hiding place, surrounded by "songs of deliverance." Similarly, in [[Psalm 51:14]], a repentant heart promises to "sing aloud" (rannên) of God's righteousness. This highlights rannên as an outflow of profound gratitude and relief stemming from divine intervention.
* **Corporate Worship and Praise:** The word is used to describe the collective rejoicing of God's people in His presence or in response to His mighty deeds. [[Psalm 84:2]] speaks of the soul and body "singing for joy" to the living God in anticipation of entering His courts. In [[Psalm 132:9]], it is a call for God's saints to "shout for joy" when His priests are clothed with righteousness, signifying a communal celebration of God's character and covenant faithfulness.
* **Eschatological and Prophetic Proclamations of Hope:** A significant number of occurrences are found in Isaiah, where rannên serves as a prophetic call to rejoice in future divine restoration and comfort. The barren woman is commanded to "sing" and "cry aloud" in [[Isaiah 54:1]], symbolizing the abundant children God will grant to the desolate Zion. The dead are called to "awake and sing for joy" in [[Isaiah 26:19]], pointing to a future resurrection. This usage underscores rannên as an act of faith, anticipating God's redemptive work even in seemingly hopeless situations ([[Isaiah 49:13]], [[Jeremiah 31:7]]).
* **Cosmic Rejoicing:** rannên extends beyond humanity to encompass creation itself. In passages like [[Isaiah 44:23]] and [[Psalm 96:12]] (also [[1 Chronicles 16:33]]), the heavens, earth, mountains, and trees are exhorted to "sing for joy" or "break forth into singing." This portrays a universal, cosmic response to God's acts of redemption and His coming to judge the earth, indicating that all creation participates in the declaration of His glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for rannên (`{{H7444}}`) is its root, rânan (`{{H7442}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to shout for joy" or "to utter a ringing cry." The intensive form rannên emphasizes the vigor and volume of this cry.
Related concepts and words that share semantic space or provide contrast include:
* sîr (`{{H7891}}`): A general term for "to sing," which may or may not carry the connotation of joy. rannên specifies the joyful, often loud, nature of the singing.
* zāmar (`{{H2167}}`): "To sing praise," often with musical accompaniment. While rannên can be singing, it focuses more on the vocal outpouring of joy than the musicality.
* gîl (`{{H1523}}`) and sāmaḥ (`{{H8055}}`): Both mean "to rejoice" or "to be glad." These terms describe the inner emotional state, while rannên describes the outward, vocal manifestation of that state. One might gîl or sāmaḥ and then rannên.
* ṣāhal (`{{H6670}}`): "To cry aloud," often used for the neighing of horses, but also for human shouts of triumph or joy, similar to rannên in its loudness.
* yālal (`{{H3213}}`): "To wail" or "to howl," typically used for lamentation or distress, serving as a semantic opposite to the joyful cry of rannên.
The intensive nature of rannên distinguishes it from general terms for singing or rejoicing by highlighting the uninhibited, resounding, and often public nature of the vocal expression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of rannên (`{{H7444}}`) is profound, revealing key aspects of biblical worship and eschatological hope.
* **A Response to Divine Action:** At its core, rannên is a direct, often immediate, and uninhibited response to God's character and His mighty acts. It is the natural outpouring of a heart that has experienced God's deliverance, righteousness, or comfort. This emphasizes that true joy and praise are rooted in God's initiative and faithfulness, not merely human sentiment.
* **The Sound of Salvation:** The frequent association of rannên with salvation, redemption, and God's saving power (e.g., [[Psalm 32:7]], [[Isaiah 44:23]]) marks it as the "sound of salvation." It is the audible declaration that God has acted on behalf of His people, overcoming their enemies, guilt, or desolation.
* **Eschatological Hope and Assurance:** Particularly in the prophetic books, rannên functions as a powerful declaration of future hope. It is a command to rejoice *now* in the certainty of God's future restoration, even when present circumstances are bleak (e.g., the barren woman in [[Isaiah 54:1]] or the dead in [[Isaiah 26:19]]). This highlights God's ability to bring life from death and fruitfulness from barrenness, assuring His people of ultimate triumph and comfort.
* **Universal Praise and Cosmic Redemption:** The depiction of creation itself "singing for joy" (e.g., [[Psalm 96:12]], [[Isaiah 44:23]]) broadens the scope of redemption beyond humanity. It suggests that God's redemptive work has cosmic implications, eliciting a universal chorus of praise from all of creation in anticipation of His righteous judgment and rule. This underscores the vastness of God's glory and the comprehensive nature of His plan.
* **Authentic and Uninhibited Worship:** rannên signifies a form of worship that is not merely intellectual or formal but deeply emotional, expressive, and often loud. It encourages believers to express their joy and adoration for God with full voice and heart, reflecting a genuine and unreserved devotion.
### Summary
rannên (`{{H7444}}`) is an intensive Hebrew verb derived from rânan (`{{H7442}}`), meaning "to shout for joy" or "to sing aloud." It denotes a vigorous, resounding, and often collective vocal expression of profound gladness, triumph, or praise. Biblically, its occurrences consistently link it to the joyous response of individuals and communities to God's deliverance, righteousness, and comfort. It frequently appears in prophetic contexts, serving as a call to rejoice in the certainty of God's future redemptive acts, even in times of desolation. Furthermore, rannên is used to describe the cosmic rejoicing of creation itself in response to God's glory and His coming to judge the earth. Theologically, rannên underscores the appropriate, uninhibited, and often public response of the redeemed and all creation to the mighty acts and character of the Holy One of Israel, serving as a vibrant declaration of divine glory and saving power.
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