### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rishʻâh**, represented by `{{H7564}}`, is the feminine form of `{{H7562}}` and signifies **wrong (especially moral), fault, and wickedly(-ness)**. It appears 15 times in 15 unique verses in the Bible, consistently denoting a state of moral corruption that stands in direct opposition to righteousness and divine law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7564}}` serves as a key descriptor for the condition that invites divine judgment. It is cited as the reason for God driving out the nations before Israel, not because of Israel's own righteousness, but "for the wickedness of these nations" [[Deuteronomy 9:5]]. Prophetically, it is an active, destructive force, described as burning like a fire [[Isaiah 9:18]]. Those who "work wickedness" are contrasted with the righteous, with the clear declaration that "the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" [[Ezekiel 18:20]]. In a striking vision, the prophet Zechariah sees a woman in a basket, who is explicitly identified with the statement, "This is wickedness" [[Zechariah 5:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of moral failure and its contrast with righteousness:
* `{{H7563}}` **râshâʻ** (wicked man): This is the concrete, active personification of wickedness, referring to the morally wrong or guilty individual. It is frequently used in direct connection with `{{H7564}}`, as in the phrase "the wickedness of the wicked" [[Ezekiel 18:20]].
* `{{H7562}}` **reshaʻ** (wickedness): The masculine noun from which `{{H7564}}` is derived, also meaning a moral wrong or iniquity. It is used interchangeably in contexts of turning from wickedness [[Ezekiel 33:12]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): This term for perversity or moral evil appears alongside `{{H7564}}` to describe the full weight of sin, emphasizing that an individual bears the consequences of their own actions [[Ezekiel 18:20]].
* `{{H6666}}` **tsᵉdâqâh** (righteousness): As the direct opposite of `{{H7564}}`, this word for rightness, justice, and virtue provides the moral standard. The two terms are often contrasted to illustrate the consequences of one's chosen path [[Proverbs 13:6]].
* `{{H2403}}` **chaṭṭâʼâh** (sin, sinner): This term for an offense or an offender is often the outcome of `{{H7564}}`. [[Proverbs 13:6]] states that "wickedness overthroweth the sinner."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7564}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of divine justice and human responsibility.
* **Individual Accountability:** Scripture uses `{{H7564}}` to firmly establish that each person is responsible for their own moral state. The wickedness of one person is not transferred to another, and righteousness is not inherited [[Ezekiel 18:20]].
* **Cause for Judgment:** Wickedness is presented as the grounds for God's judgment. The land of Edom is called "The border of wickedness" and faces eternal indignation [[Malachi 1:4]], and those who "do wickedly" are destined for destruction like stubble [[Malachi 4:1]].
* **Path to Ruin:** The term illustrates that wickedness is self-destructive. The wicked person will ultimately "fall by his own wickedness" [[Proverbs 11:5]], as it is a force that overthrows the sinner [[Proverbs 13:6]].
* **The Call to Repentance:** Despite its grave nature, wickedness is a condition that can be abandoned. When the wicked man "turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed," he can save his soul and live ([[Ezekiel 18:27]], [[Ezekiel 33:19]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7564}}` is not merely an action but a profound state of moral corruption. It functions as the antithesis of divine righteousness, serving as the basis for judgment and personal ruin. At the same time, its usage within prophetic warnings offers a path to life through repentance, underscoring the critical choice between right and wrong and the ultimate accountability of every soul before God.
TRV