a primitive root; to tumble, i.e. be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger); make to fret, roar, thunder, trouble.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râʻam**, represented by `{{H7481}}`, is a primitive root meaning to be violently agitated. It is used specifically for the crash of **thunder** and figuratively to describe being irritated, made to fret, or troubled. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible, most often depicting a display of divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7481}}` is predominantly used to describe the thunder of God as an expression of His might and judgment. The LORD **thunders** from heaven to break His adversaries to pieces [[1 Samuel 2:10]] and to discomfit the Philistines in battle [[1 Samuel 7:10]]. This act is equated with God's own voice, as when "the God of glory **thundereth**" [[Psalms 29:3]] or when He "thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his **voice**" [[Psalms 18:13]]. The word is also used metaphorically, calling for the sea to **roar** in praise [[Psalms 96:11]]. In a human context, it describes profound emotional distress, such as when an adversary provokes someone "to make her **fret**" [[1 Samuel 1:6]] or when kings are **troubled** in their countenance [[Ezekiel 27:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the impact and context of `{{H7481}}`:
* `{{H2000}}` **hâmam** (to put in commotion; by implication, to disturb, drive, destroy): This word describes the direct result of God's thunder. In a battle against the Philistines, the LORD **thundered** `{{H7481}}` and **discomfited** `{{H2000}}` them [[1 Samuel 7:10]].
* `{{H2865}}` **châthath** (to prostrate; hence, to break down... by confusion and fear): This term is linked to the destructive power of God's thunder against His enemies, stating that the adversaries of the LORD "shall be **broken to pieces**" `{{H2865}}` when He **thunders** `{{H7481}}` upon them [[1 Samuel 2:10]].
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): This word is frequently paired with `{{H7481}}`, establishing that the sound of thunder is understood as the very voice of God. The Bible states that God **thundereth** `{{H7481}}` marvellously with his **voice** `{{H6963}}` [[Job 37:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7481}}` centers on the power and presence of God.
* **Divine Power and Judgment:** The act of thundering is a clear demonstration of God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene directly in human affairs, especially in judgment against His enemies. It is a power unique to Him, prompting the question, "canst thou **thunder** with a voice like him?" [[Job 40:9]].
* **The Voice of God:** Thunder is not depicted as a mere natural phenomenon but as the audible **voice** of God. This connects His awesome power to His personal communication, as "The **voice** of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory **thundereth**" [[Psalms 29:3]].
* **Emotional and Natural Agitation:** The word's usage extends from the heavens to the sea and the human heart. It describes the "roaring" of the sea in worship [[Psalms 98:7]] and the internal turmoil of being made to "fret" [[1 Samuel 1:6]], linking immense external power with deep internal feeling.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7481}}` conveys a concept of powerful agitation. While its primary meaning is the literal **thunder** that signifies God's unmatched power and voice, it is also applied metaphorically to the roaring of the seas and the troubling of the human spirit. The word illustrates how a single term can encompass the awesome power of God in creation, His actions in judgment, and the profound emotional disturbances experienced by humanity.
TRV