a primitive root; to break in pieces; figuratively, harass; dash in pieces, vex.
Transliteration:râʻats
Pronunciation:raw-ats'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb רָעַץ (râʻats), Strong's `{{H7492}}`, is a primitive root carrying the core meaning "to break in pieces" or "to dash in pieces." This fundamental sense conveys a violent, destructive action, implying a complete shattering or pulverization of an object. From this literal meaning, the semantic range extends figuratively to "harass" or "vex," suggesting a persistent and oppressive breaking down of an individual's spirit or well-being through relentless pressure or affliction. The root thus encompasses both physical disintegration and psychological torment, emphasizing a powerful, often overwhelming, force exerted upon a subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though appearing sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, the occurrences of רָעַץ (râʻats) are highly significant, each revealing distinct facets of its meaning:
* **Divine Judgment and Victory:** In [[Psalm 74:14]], the verb describes God's mighty act of judgment: "You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces; You gave him as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness." Here, *râʻats* denotes a decisive, utterly destructive act performed by God against a mythical or symbolic representation of chaos and evil (Leviathan). It underscores divine power and sovereignty in overcoming formidable adversaries, shattering their strength and authority.
* **Human Suffering and Despair:** In [[Job 16:12]], Job laments his profound suffering: "I was at ease, but He shattered me; He has also taken me by my neck and dashed me to pieces." Here, *râʻats* powerfully conveys Job's perception of being utterly crushed and destroyed by God's hand. It illustrates the extreme psychological and physical anguish of one who feels completely broken and overwhelmed, stripped of all former comfort and well-being.
* **Messianic Compassion and Gentleness:** Perhaps most poignantly, in [[Isaiah 42:3]], *râʻats* appears in a negative construction describing the Servant of the Lord: "A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice." This verse is foundational for understanding the Servant's gentle and compassionate nature. By stating that the Servant will *not* "break" (רָעַץ) a bruised reed, the text highlights the destructive force inherent in the verb. It emphasizes that the Servant, unlike those who would further crush the vulnerable and weak, acts with tender care, nurturing rather than destroying. This negation profoundly shapes the theological understanding of the Servant's mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of רָעַץ (râʻats) intersects with several other Hebrew terms that convey notions of breaking, crushing, or oppressing:
* `{{H7533}}` (ratsats): This root is phonetically and semantically very close to *râʻats*, meaning "to crush," "to break in pieces," or "to oppress." While *râʻats* often implies a more complete shattering, *ratsats* can also convey the idea of being bruised or oppressed, as seen in its use for "bruised" in [[Isaiah 42:3]] in some interpretations, or "oppressed" in [[Psalm 94:5]].
* `{{H7665}}` (shabar): "To break," "to shatter," often used for breaking bones, vessels, or covenants. While similar in outcome, *shabar* might imply more of a fragmentation, whereas *râʻats* often suggests a more complete pulverization.
* `{{H1792}}` (dakak) and `{{H1794}}` (daka'): "To crush," "to be crushed," "to be oppressed." These roots often relate to being broken in spirit or humbled, carrying a strong connotation of affliction and lowliness.
* The concept of divine judgment, often expressed through powerful, destructive acts, is also related to words like `{{H6213}}` ('asah) in contexts of "doing" or "executing" judgment, or `{{H8150}}` (shaḥat) "to corrupt, destroy."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רָָעַץ (râʻats) is multifaceted, illuminating aspects of God's power, human suffering, and the nature of the Messiah:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The use of *râʻats* in [[Psalm 74:14]] underscores God's absolute power to dismantle and defeat forces of evil and chaos. It portrays Him as the ultimate victor, capable of utterly destroying that which opposes His righteous order. This speaks to His unchallengeable sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment against rebellion.
* **The Depth of Human Suffering:** Job's use of *râʻats* in [[Job 16:12]] provides a visceral expression of profound human suffering. It highlights the feeling of being utterly broken and overwhelmed, a state of complete vulnerability before a perceived divine onslaught. This aspect of the word invites reflection on the intensity of affliction and the human cry for understanding and relief in the face of overwhelming despair.
* **Messianic Compassion and Restoration:** Most profoundly, the negation of *râʻats* in [[Isaiah 42:3]] reveals a core attribute of the Servant of the Lord. In a world often characterized by the crushing of the weak, the Servant's refusal to "break" a bruised reed signifies divine compassion, gentleness, and a commitment to restoration rather than further destruction. This points to a God who does not delight in the suffering of the afflicted but seeks to heal, uphold, and bring justice with tender care. This messianic portrait stands in stark contrast to the destructive power inherent in the root, emphasizing mercy as a defining characteristic of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The primitive Hebrew root רָעַץ (râʻats), Strong's `{{H7492}}`, fundamentally signifies "to break in pieces" or "to dash in pieces," extending figuratively to "harass" or "vex." Its rare but potent occurrences in the Bible reveal a powerful verb describing destructive action. In [[Psalm 74:14]], it illustrates God's decisive victory over chaos, demonstrating divine power and judgment. In [[Job 16:12]], it articulates the profound experience of human suffering and the feeling of being utterly crushed. Crucially, in [[Isaiah 42:3]], the negation of *râʻats* profoundly shapes our understanding of the Servant of the Lord, highlighting His gentle, compassionate nature that refuses to further break the already vulnerable. Thus, *râʻats* serves as a powerful descriptor of both destructive force and, by its absence, divine mercy and restorative grace.
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