### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râtsats**, represented by `{{H7533}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **crack in pieces, literally or figuratively**. Its definition includes a range of intense actions such as to **break, bruise, crush, discourage, oppress,** and **struggle together**. It appears **19 times** across **18 unique verses**, highlighting its application to describe both physical destruction and social or emotional distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7533}}` is used to convey several distinct types of crushing force. It describes literal, violent impact, as when a millstone was used to **brake** Abimelech's skull [[Judges 9:53]], and the visceral prenatal **struggle** of Jacob and Esau [[Genesis 25:22]]. The word is also a powerful metaphor for unreliable strength; both Assyria and Babylon refer to Egypt as a "bruised" or "broken" **reed** that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it ([[2 Kings 18:21]], [[Isaiah 36:6]]). A primary use of the term is to condemn the social sin of oppressing the vulnerable, as seen in the prophetic warning against those who **crush** the needy [[Amos 4:1]] and in the covenant curses against Israel [[Deuteronomy 28:33]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the scope of breaking and oppression:
* `{{H6231}}` **ʻâshaq** (to press upon, i.e. oppress, defraud, violate, overflow): This word is frequently paired with `{{H7533}}` to describe the injustice done to the poor and needy. It emphasizes the act of fraudulent pressure, which is often followed by the crushing consequence described by **râtsats** [[Amos 4:1]].
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst (literally or figuratively); break, crush, destroy): A close synonym for physical breaking, **shâbar** is used alongside **râtsats** to describe complete destruction. While the Servant will not break a bruised reed, Ezekiel describes Egypt as a reed that breaks and then is **broken** under pressure ([[Isaiah 42:3]], [[Ezekiel 29:7]]).
* `{{H7492}}` **râʻats** (to break in pieces; figuratively, harass): This term is used in direct parallel with `{{H7533}}` to intensify the description of mistreatment. For eighteen years, the children of Israel were "vexed and **oppressed**," a combination that shows a prolonged state of harassment and crushing [[Judges 10:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7533}}` is significant, highlighting themes of injustice, frailty, and divine character.
* **Condemnation of Oppression:** The word is central to God's commands for social justice. Prophets use it to denounce the powerful who **crush** the poor [[Amos 4:1]], and Samuel's integrity is partly defined by his claim to have never **oppressed** anyone [[1 Samuel 12:3]].
* **Human Frailty and Unreliability:** The imagery of a "bruised" or "broken" **reed** serves as a potent metaphor for human weakness and untrustworthy alliances, such as Israel's reliance on Egypt [[Isaiah 36:6]]. In Ecclesiastes, the "golden bowl" being **broken** is a picture of the body's final decay [[Ecclesiastes 12:6]].
* **Messianic Gentleness and Liberation:** In a striking contrast, the Lord's Servant is characterized by what He will not do: He will not break a **bruised** reed [[Isaiah 42:3]]. His mission is not to crush the weak but to bring justice without being **discouraged** himself [[Isaiah 42:4]]. Furthermore, true worship involves letting the **oppressed** go free [[Isaiah 58:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7533}}` conveys a profound sense of being broken, whether physically, socially, or spiritually. It depicts everything from a fatal blow to a skull to the systemic **crushing** of the poor and the internal state of being **discouraged**. The word is a key descriptor for the sin of oppression which God judges, yet it is also used to paint a picture of the Messiah's gentle strength, who, rather than crushing the weak, comes to heal and set the oppressed free.
TRV