from רָסַס; properly, dripping to pieces, i.e. a ruin; also a dew-drop; breach, drop.
Transliteration:râçîyç
Pronunciation:raw-sees'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רָסִיס (râçîyç), Strong's number `{{H7447}}`, derives from the verb רָסַס (râças) `{{H7446}}`, which carries a dual semantic range: "to moisten, sprinkle" and "to break in pieces, shatter." This inherent duality in the root is profoundly reflected in רָסִיס itself, which astonishingly signifies both "a dew-drop" and "a breach" or "ruin." Properly, the noun captures the essence of something "dripping to pieces" or "fragmented." In one sense, this fragmentation refers to the minute, discrete particles of moisture that form a drop. In another, it denotes the breaking apart of a structure, leading to a ruin or a breach. The contextual usage is therefore paramount in discerning which aspect of its meaning is intended, presenting a remarkable example of polysemy within the biblical lexicon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
רָסִיס appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating one of its distinct semantic poles:
1. **[[Song of Solomon 5:2]]**: "I sleep, but my heart is awake; it is the voice of my beloved who knocks: 'Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one; for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the **drops** of the night.'"
* Here, רָסִיס clearly refers to "drops" of moisture, specifically "dew-drops." The context is one of intimacy and natural imagery, where the beloved's presence is described with the refreshing and delicate touch of night's moisture. This usage aligns perfectly with the "moisten, sprinkle" aspect of the root רָסַס, emphasizing the small, distinct, and refreshing particles of liquid.
2. **[[Amos 6:11]]**: "For behold, the Lord commands, and he will strike the great house with **breaches** and the little house with fissures."
* In stark contrast, רָסִיס in this prophetic passage from Amos denotes "breaches" or "ruins." The context is one of divine judgment against the luxurious and complacent elite of Israel. The Lord's command leads to the breaking apart and destruction of their homes, symbolizing the collapse of their societal structures and security. This usage resonates with the "break in pieces, shatter" aspect of the root רָסַס, signifying fragmentation, ruin, and disintegration.
These two occurrences demonstrate the remarkable semantic breadth of רָסִיס, functioning as a vivid descriptor for both the delicate, life-giving moisture and the destructive, shattering force of divine action or consequence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root רָסַס (râças) `{{H7446}}`, from which רָסִיס is derived. Understanding the root's dual meaning ("to moisten/sprinkle" and "to break in pieces/shatter") is fundamental to grasping the full semantic range of רָסִיס.
For the "dew-drop" aspect, רָסִיס can be conceptually linked to other terms for moisture and refreshment, such as טַל (tal) `{{H2919}}`, meaning "dew," which frequently symbolizes divine blessing, sustenance, and renewal (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 33:28]], [[Hosea 14:5]]). While טַל is the common word for dew, רָסִיס specifically highlights the *individual drops*, perhaps emphasizing their minute yet numerous quality.
For the "breach/ruin" aspect, רָסִיס shares conceptual space with words like פֶּרֶץ (perets) `{{H6556}}`, meaning "breach" or "breakthrough," often in the context of divine judgment or a breaking forth (e.g., [[2 Samuel 5:20]]). Other terms for destruction or desolation, such as חָרְבָּה (chorbah) `{{H2723}}` ("waste, ruin") or שֶׁבֶר (sheber) `{{H7667}}` ("breaking, ruin"), also resonate with this meaning. What is unique about רָסִיס in this context is its connection to the idea of something *dripping* or *breaking into fragments*, suggesting a more gradual or pervasive disintegration rather than a sudden, singular rupture.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of רָסִיס offers profound theological insights into the multifaceted character of God's interaction with creation and humanity.
In its sense as a "dew-drop," רָסִיס speaks to divine provision, delicacy, and the subtle yet pervasive presence of God's grace. Dew, in the arid ancient Near East, was a vital source of moisture, symbolizing blessing, refreshment, and even life itself. The individual "drops" suggest God's meticulous care, where even the smallest elements of creation are sustained by His hand. This imagery evokes themes of divine faithfulness, the quiet work of restoration, and the gentle, life-giving aspects of the Creator. It can represent the quiet, often unseen, ways in which God sustains and nourishes His people, much like the manna that appeared with the dew ([[Numbers 11:9]]).
Conversely, as a "breach" or "ruin," רָסִיס powerfully conveys the consequences of human sin and the inevitable reality of divine judgment. The "dripping to pieces" imagery here suggests a process of disintegration and collapse, where human constructs—whether physical homes or societal structures built on injustice—cannot withstand the weight of divine displeasure. This aspect of רָסִיס underscores God's justice, His intolerance for unrighteousness, and the ultimate fragility of human enterprises apart from His will. It serves as a stark reminder that what appears stable can be broken down into fragments by divine decree.
The theological richness of רָסִיס lies in its ability to encapsulate both the life-giving and life-shattering aspects of divine power. It suggests that the very power that brings forth delicate drops of life can also bring about the fragmentation of judgment. This paradox invites reflection on the comprehensive sovereignty of God, who is both the source of all blessing and the righteous judge who brings about deserved ruin.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָסִיס (râçîyç) `{{H7447}}` is a rare but remarkably potent term, embodying a striking semantic duality. Derived from a root meaning both "to moisten/sprinkle" and "to break in pieces/shatter," רָסִיס signifies both a "dew-drop" and a "breach" or "ruin." Its two biblical occurrences perfectly illustrate this range: in [[Song of Solomon 5:2]], it refers to refreshing drops of night dew, symbolizing delicate natural beauty and divine provision; while in [[Amos 6:11]], it denotes the destructive breaches in houses, representing divine judgment and societal collapse. This word thus offers a unique linguistic window into the multifaceted nature of divine action, encompassing both the subtle, life-sustaining grace and the decisive, fragmenting judgment. Its dual meaning underscores the comprehensive sovereignty of God and the profound implications of human faithfulness or rebellion.
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