feminine of רַעַם; the mane of a horse (as quivering in the wind); thunder.
Transliteration:raʻmâh
Pronunciation:rah-maw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma רַעְמָה (raʻmâh), Strong's H7483, is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H7481}}` (raʻam), which primarily signifies "thunder" or "to roar/tremble." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding its semantic breadth. The base definition of רַעְמָה offers two primary meanings: "the mane of a horse (as quivering in the wind)" and "thunder."
The first meaning, "mane of a horse," emphasizes a physical attribute characterized by movement and power. The parenthetical "as quivering in the wind" highlights the dynamic, vibrant quality of the mane, suggesting a visual representation of energy and strength. This sense subtly connects to the root's idea of trembling or shaking. The second meaning, "thunder," is a direct inheritance from its masculine root, denoting a powerful, often awe-inspiring sound associated with divine manifestation or natural force. Thus, the semantic range of רַעְמָה encompasses both a tangible, majestic physical feature and an overwhelming natural phenomenon, both imbued with connotations of power, dynamism, and perhaps a latent, rumbling force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רַעְמָה (raʻmâh), H7483, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job.
* **[[Job 39:19]]**: "Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane (רַעְמָה)?"
In this singular occurrence, רַעְמָה clearly refers to the "mane" of a horse. This verse is part of God's extended discourse to Job, where the Creator highlights His unparalleled wisdom and power through a series of rhetorical questions about the natural world and its creatures. The horse, known for its strength, speed, and majestic appearance, is presented as a prime example of divine design. The mane is depicted not merely as a physical appendage but as a distinctive feature that contributes to the horse's "might" and formidable presence. The "quivering" aspect implied in the definition resonates with the dynamism and vitality God has bestowed upon this powerful animal. In this context, the meaning "thunder" is not directly applicable, though the underlying root's sense of awe-inspiring power and sound remains a subtle undercurrent in the description of God's creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to רַעְמָה (raʻmâh) is its masculine root, `{{H7481}}` (רַעַם - raʻam), which means "thunder" or "to thunder/roar." This primary root establishes the core semantic field of powerful sound and tremor from which רַעְמָה derives.
Other related concepts and words include:
* **Divine Power and Might:** The context in Job links רַעְמָה to the horse's "might" (כֹּחַ - `{{H3581}}`), emphasizing the strength and power inherent in God's creation.
* **Majesty and Splendor:** The mane contributes to the horse's majestic appearance, aligning with concepts such as glory (כָּבוֹד - `{{H3519}}`) and splendor (הָדָר - `{{H1926}}`), which are often attributed to God and His works.
* **Creation and Design:** The question "Do you clothe his neck with a mane?" highlights God as the ultimate designer and provider, connecting רַעְמָה to the broader theme of divine creation (בָּרָא - `{{H1254}}`).
* **Natural Phenomena:** The root's connection to "thunder" links רַעְמָה to other powerful natural phenomena (e.g., storms, wind, earthquakes) that demonstrate God's overwhelming power and presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רַעְמָה (raʻmâh) is primarily derived from its sole biblical occurrence within God's discourse in the book of Job.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Creative Power:** The question in [[Job 39:19]] ("Do you give the horse his might? Do you clothe his neck with a mane?") serves to underscore God's absolute and unchallenged sovereignty over all creation. It asserts that even the specific, distinctive features of animals, such as the horse's majestic mane, are divinely bestowed. This highlights God as the meticulous and powerful Creator who designs and sustains every aspect of the cosmos.
2. **The Majesty of Creation as a Witness to God:** The mane, as a symbol of the horse's strength, beauty, and untamed power, becomes a testament to the awe-inspiring nature of God's creative work. It is not merely a functional attribute but one that evokes wonder and admiration, pointing beyond itself to the magnificent wisdom and power of its Maker.
3. **Echoes of Overwhelming Power:** While "mane" is the direct meaning in Job, the underlying semantic connection to "thunder" (from its root `{{H7481}}`) subtly reinforces the theme of overwhelming divine power. Just as thunder can be a manifestation of God's awesome presence and might, so too the horse's mane, with its implied dynamism and vigor, speaks to the inherent, God-given power and majesty of the creature. The "quivering in the wind" aspect can evoke a sense of latent energy, a powerful force held in divine design.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רַעְמָה (raʻmâh), Strong's H7483, is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H7481}}`, meaning "thunder" or "to roar." Its primary semantic range includes "the mane of a horse," particularly as it quivers or rustles, and by extension from its root, "thunder."
Biblically, רַעְמָה appears only once, in [[Job 39:19]], where it unequivocally refers to the "mane" of a horse. In this context, it is presented as a divinely endowed attribute contributing to the horse's might and splendor, part of God's rhetorical demonstration of His creative power to Job. Related terms include its root `{{H7481}}` ("thunder") and concepts such as divine strength, majesty, and creation.
Theologically, רַעְמָה underscores God's meticulous sovereignty and profound creative power, evident in the intricate and awe-inspiring design of His creatures. The horse's mane, though a physical feature, serves as a powerful symbol of the might and beauty infused into creation by the Creator, subtly echoing the overwhelming power associated with thunder and the divine.
TRV