feminine of רֶשַׁע; wrong (especially moral); fault, wickedly(-ness).
Transliteration:rishʻâh
Pronunciation:rish-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רִשְׁעָה (rishʻâh, `{{H7564}}`) is a feminine form derived from the root רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7563}}`), which fundamentally conveys the concept of "wickedness" or "guilt." Its core meaning encompasses moral wrong, unrighteousness, and the state or act of being wicked. Unlike simple error or mistake, רִשְׁעָה denotes a deliberate perversion of justice, a turning away from ethical or divine standards, and an active opposition to what is right. Its semantic range includes:
* **Moral Evil/Wrongdoing:** Actions or characteristics that are inherently contrary to God's law and righteous principles.
* **Wickedness/Ungodliness:** A pervasive state of being unholy or rebellious against divine authority.
* **Guilt/Culpability:** The blameworthiness that results from such acts of moral transgression.
* **Injustice:** Unfairness or oppression, particularly in a societal or legal context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רִשְׁעָה appears throughout the Old Testament, often highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and underscoring the necessity of divine judgment.
In the wisdom literature, רִשְׁעָה frequently describes the inherent nature and ultimate fate of the ungodly. In [[Proverbs 10:2]], it is stated that "Treasures of רִשְׁעָה profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death," directly contrasting the futility of ill-gotten gain with the life-giving power of righteousness. Similarly, [[Proverbs 11:5]] notes, "The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked will fall by his own רִשְׁעָה," emphasizing the self-destructive nature of wickedness. Job, in his suffering, often grapples with the concept of רִשְׁעָה and its consequences, as seen in [[Job 34:26]], where God strikes the wicked "for their רִשְׁעָה."
Prophetic books utilize רִשְׁעָה to describe the moral corruption of Israel and surrounding nations, justifying impending divine judgment. Isaiah laments the lack of peace for the wicked, declaring in [[Isaiah 57:21]], "There is no peace, says my God, for the רִשְׁעָה." Ezekiel frequently employs the term, particularly in his discussions of individual responsibility and divine justice. In [[Ezekiel 18:20]], it is declared, "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the רִשְׁעָה of the father, nor the father bear the רִשְׁעָה of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the רִשְׁעָה of the wicked shall be upon himself." This verse powerfully emphasizes personal accountability for one's own moral standing. Furthermore, Ezekiel's role as a watchman involves warning the wicked to turn from their רִשְׁעָה (e.g., [[Ezekiel 3:19]], [[Ezekiel 33:8-9]]).
In the Psalms, רִשְׁעָה often characterizes the schemes and intentions of the enemies of God and His people, as in [[Psalm 141:4]], where the psalmist prays, "Incline not my heart to any רִשְׁעָה."
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of רִשְׁעָה is enriched by examining its linguistic and thematic connections to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root and Derivatives:** The noun רִשְׁעָה (rishʻâh, `{{H7564}}`) is intimately linked to its masculine counterpart, רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7563}}`), which also means "wickedness" or "guilt." Both derive from the verbal root רָשַׁע (rashaʻ, `{{H7561}}`), meaning "to be wicked," "to act wickedly," or "to condemn as wicked." This family of words consistently points to a state or action of moral perversion.
* **Antonyms:** The most significant antonym for רִשְׁעָה is צֶדֶק (tsedeq, `{{H6664}}`) or צְדָקָה (tsedaqah, `{{H6666}}`), meaning "righteousness" or "justice." The biblical narrative frequently juxtaposes רִשְׁעָה with צֶדֶק to highlight the stark moral dichotomy between good and evil, and to emphasize God's demand for righteousness.
* **Synonyms and Related Concepts:**
* אָוֶן (aven, `{{H205}}`): "iniquity," "trouble," "vanity," often denoting moral evil that leads to disaster.
* חָמָס (hamas, `{{H2555}}`): "violence," "wrong," specifically referring to acts of injustice and oppression.
* עָוֹן (avon, `{{H5771}}`): "iniquity," "guilt," "punishment for sin," often emphasizing the crookedness or perversion of an act.
* פֶּשַׁע (peshaʻ, `{{H6588}}`): "transgression," "rebellion," suggesting a deliberate breach of covenant or law.
* חַטָּאת (chattat, `{{H2403}}`): "sin," "missing the mark," a more general term for moral failing.
These terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the various facets of sin and moral corruption in the biblical worldview.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רִשְׁעָה is profound, illuminating several core doctrines of biblical theology:
* **The Nature of Sin:** רִשְׁעָה underscores that sin is not merely an absence of good, but an active, deliberate, and often pervasive state of moral rebellion against God's character and commands. It signifies a profound spiritual corruption that permeates the heart and manifests in unrighteous actions.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** The consistent use of רִשְׁעָה in contexts of divine judgment highlights God's absolute holiness and His commitment to justice. God cannot tolerate רִשְׁעָה; it necessitates His intervention, whether through temporal consequences, societal breakdown, or ultimate eschatological judgment. The concept reinforces the truth that God is a righteous judge who will hold humanity accountable for its wickedness.
* **Human Depravity and Need for Redemption:** The widespread presence of רִשְׁעָה in humanity, as depicted in Scripture, points to the deep-seated nature of sin and the inherent inability of individuals to escape its grip through their own efforts. This emphasizes the critical need for divine grace, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God to deliver humanity from its רִשְׁעָה and establish true righteousness.
* **Covenant and Morality:** רִשְׁעָה represents the antithesis of covenant faithfulness. It is a violation of the moral and ethical demands of God's covenant with His people, leading to broken fellowship and divine discipline.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רִשְׁעָה (rishʻâh, `{{H7564}}`) denotes moral wickedness, wrongdoing, and guilt, stemming from a deliberate perversion of justice and rebellion against divine standards. As a feminine noun derived from רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ, `{{H7563}}`), it is frequently contrasted with righteousness (צֶדֶק, צְדָקָה) in biblical texts. Its occurrences in wisdom literature, prophetic books, and the Psalms consistently describe the character of the wicked, the destructive consequences of their actions, and God's just and inevitable judgment upon unrighteousness. Theologically, רִשְׁעָה profoundly underscores the active nature of human sin, the necessity of divine justice, and the essential need for God's redemptive intervention to deliver humanity from its deep-seated moral corruption.
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