### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉqôwmêm**, represented by `{{H8618}}`, defines **an opponent** or one who will **rise up against**. Its base word is from קוּם. This specific term is exceptionally rare, as it appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its singular context particularly important.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H8618}}` is in [[Psalms 139:21]], where the psalmist declares his allegiance to God by asking, "Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that **rise up** against thee?" In this verse, the word identifies individuals who actively set themselves in opposition to God. The psalmist's question implies that a right relationship with God involves sharing God's enemies and feeling a personal sense of grief over those who rebel against Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the meaning of rising up in opposition:
* `{{H8130}}` **sânêʼ** (to hate): This term is used twice in the immediate context of `{{H8618}}`, directly linking the act of hating God with rising up against Him [[Psalms 139:21]]. The Bible elsewhere connects hating evil with reverence for God [[Proverbs 8:13]].
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (Jehovah, the Lord): As the self-Existent or Eternal God, He is the one against whom the opponents `{{H8618}}` rise. This identifies the rebellion not as a conflict with a person, but with the ultimate divine authority [[Psalms 139:21]].
* `{{H6962}}` **qûwṭ** (be grieved, loathe): This word describes the psalmist’s emotional reaction to those who rise up against God. It signifies a deep vexation or detestation for their rebellious posture [[Psalms 139:21]]. A similar grief is expressed over transgressors who ignore God's word [[Psalms 119:158]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8618}}` is centered on the nature of spiritual loyalty and opposition.
* **Total Allegiance:** The word's use in [[Psalms 139:21]] demonstrates that faithfulness to God involves a clear division. Those aligned with the LORD `{{H3068}}` must also stand in opposition to those who rise against Him.
* **Active Opposition:** `tᵉqôwmêm` denotes an active, hostile posture of rebellion. It is not passive unbelief but a conscious act of setting oneself against divine authority.
* **Righteous Grief:** The term is linked to the proper emotional response of a believer toward rebellion. The sight of those who "rise up" against God evokes a feeling of being "grieved" `{{H6962}}`, showing that indifference to anti-God sentiment is incompatible with true devotion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8618}}` **tᵉqôwmêm** is a highly specific term that, in its single biblical usage, powerfully defines an active opponent of God. Its appearance in [[Psalms 139:21]] frames such opposition as an act that should be hated and grieved by the faithful. It illustrates the profound and uncompromising nature of spiritual allegiance, where one cannot be neutral toward those who rise up against the LORD.
TRV