### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râthach**, represented by `{{H7570}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to boil; boil**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, making each usage significant. While its literal meaning is straightforward, the term is used to convey powerful figurative concepts of intense internal turmoil and overwhelming external force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7570}}` is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Its literal use is found in a prophetic command where Ezekiel is instructed to make a pot **boil** well, cooking its contents thoroughly as a symbol of judgment [[Ezekiel 24:5]]. Figuratively, the word expresses profound personal suffering in the book of Job, where Job laments that his bowels **boiled** and could not rest during his days of affliction [[Job 30:27]]. The term is also used to describe the immense power of a great sea creature, which makes the deep **boil** like a pot [[Job 41:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide further context for the concept of boiling and agitation:
* `{{H7571}}` **rethach** (a boiling; [idiom] (boil) well): This noun, derived from `râthach`, appears alongside the verb to intensify its meaning, as in the command to "make it boil **well**" [[Ezekiel 24:5]].
* `{{H1310}}` **bâshal** (a primitive root; properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen): Often translated as "seethe," this verb appears with `râthach` to describe the cooking process [[Ezekiel 24:5]]. It is used for preparing food [[Leviticus 8:31]] but can also describe a figurative readiness, as when a harvest is "ripe" [[Joel 3:13]].
* `{{H4578}}` **mêʻeh** (the intestines... figuratively, sympathy; ...bowels...): This word identifies the location of Job's internal turmoil, stating that his **bowels** boiled [[Job 30:27]]. It often points to the deepest part of a person, whether a physical organ or the seat of emotion [[Psalms 40:8]].
* `{{H6040}}` **ʻŏnîy** (depression, i.e. misery; afflicted(-ion), trouble): This term is explicitly linked to the figurative boiling Job experiences, defining the cause of his inner state as "the days of **affliction**" [[Job 30:27]].
### Theological Significance
The imagery of `{{H7570}}` carries significant conceptual weight, illustrating states of intense transformation or distress.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** In Ezekiel, the command for the pot to **boil** serves as a parable for the impending and inescapable judgment on Jerusalem, using a common cooking action to depict a severe purification [[Ezekiel 24:5]].
* **Expression of Anguish:** Job’s use of the word provides a visceral metaphor for unbearable suffering. The feeling of his insides boiling translates deep emotional and spiritual pain into a physical, tangible sensation of affliction [[Job 30:27]].
* **Depiction of Awesome Power:** By describing a creature that makes the very deep **boil**, the term is used to convey a force of nature so great that it can alter the physical state of the sea, framing it as an untamable and overwhelming power [[Job 41:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7570}}` is a rare but potent word that uses the simple, physical action of boiling to illustrate profound concepts. From its literal use in a prophetic sign to its metaphorical application in describing deep personal anguish and the immense power of creation, `râthach` demonstrates how scripture employs vivid, elemental imagery to convey themes of judgment, suffering, and overwhelming force.
TRV