English · KJV
H7492

רָעַץ

râʻats /raw-ats'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto break in pieces; figuratively, harass
KJV usagedash in pieces, vex.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of râʻats — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word râʻats, represented by H7492, is a primitive root meaning to break in pieces; figuratively, harass; dash in pieces, vex. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, indicating a specific but potent application. The word conveys a sense of violent, destructive force or severe affliction.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two uses of H7492 illustrate its meaning in both a divine and human context. In the Song of Moses, it describes God's ultimate power over his adversaries, where the LORD's H3068 right hand H3225 has dashed in pieces the enemy H341, signifying complete destruction Exodus 15:6. Conversely, it is used to describe the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their oppressors, who vexed and oppressed them for eighteen years, showing its application as a term for prolonged harassment and suffering Judges 10:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its contexts help clarify the meaning of H7492:

  • H3068 Yᵉhôvâh: This is the Jewish national name of God, meaning the self-Existent or Eternal Lord. He is the agent who dashed in pieces the enemy, connecting this destructive power to divine will Exodus 15:6.
  • H3225 yâmîyn: Meaning the right hand or side, it symbolizes the source of strength and dexterity. In Exodus 15:6, it is the LORD's right hand that executes the action, emphasizing divine power.
  • H341 ʼôyêb: This word for an adversary or enemy identifies the target of the destructive force in Exodus 15:6, highlighting a context of conflict and judgment.
  • H7533 râtsats: A primitive root meaning to crack in pieces, crush, or oppress. It is used directly alongside H7492 in Judges 10:8, where the enemies both vexed H7492 and oppressed H7533 Israel, creating a strong parallel of severe affliction.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7492 is seen in its dual application:

  • Divine Power and Judgment: The term is used to glorify God's might. When the LORD dashed in pieces the enemy, it demonstrates His sovereign ability to utterly defeat those who oppose Him and protect His people Exodus 15:6. It is an expression of righteous power.
  • Consequence of Sin and Oppression: In Judges, the word is used to describe the suffering Israel endured. The act of being vexed H7492 and oppressed is a direct consequence of their actions and illustrates the painful reality of human-inflicted cruelty Judges 10:8.
  • A Force of Breaking: Whether wielded by God or by human enemies, H7492 consistently points to a force that breaks, crushes, and harasses. It encapsulates the experience of being violently shattered or worn down by intense pressure.

Summary

In summary, H7492 is a specific and forceful term for destruction and affliction. Though it appears only twice, it powerfully illustrates both the might of God in judgment and the severity of human oppression. It demonstrates how a single concept of "breaking in pieces" can be applied to the triumphant act of God's power and the painful experience of being vexed by one's enemies.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • יִּרְעֲצוּ
  • תִּרְעַץ

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3068 יְהֹוָה from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹו H3225 יָמִין from יָמַן; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, H341 אֹיֵב or (fully) אוֹיֵב; active participle of אָיַב; hating; an adversary; enemy, foe. H7533 רָצַץ a primitive root; to crack in pieces, literally or figuratively; break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress, struggle tog

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Exodus and Judges (1 verse each); never once in the other 37.

1
Exodus
1
Judges

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.