Lexical Summary raam: To thunder, to roar Original Word: רָאַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be lifted up A primitive root; to rise -- be lifted up. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to rise NASB Translation rise (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָאַם] verb (Masora Thes and others) rise (si vera lectio, "" form of רום); — Qal Perfect3feminine singular רָאֲמָה Zechariah 14:10, but < read רָאמָה = רָ֫מָה (√רום), Ges§ 72p. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Setting The verb רָאַם appears once, in Zechariah 14:10. The verse envisions a future day when “Jerusalem will be raised up and remain in its place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses” (Berean Standard Bible). The surrounding passage (Zechariah 14:1-11) describes the climactic triumph of the LORD over the nations and the establishment of His universal reign from Jerusalem. Meaning within Zechariah’s Oracle 1. Physical elevation: The immediate picture is that of the city being literally lifted or set on higher ground while the surrounding terrain becomes a broad plain. This reverses the topography that formerly made Jerusalem vulnerable to siege (compare Isaiah 22:5-7). Biblical Theology of Exaltation • Divine action: Throughout Scripture elevation is God’s prerogative (Psalm 75:7; Daniel 2:21). By choosing a rarely used verb here, Zechariah underscores that this is an extraordinary, once-for-all act of the LORD. Connection with Jerusalem in Redemptive History • Davidic capital: The exaltation vindicates God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Foreshadowing of the Messianic Kingdom The lifting of Jerusalem anticipates the reign of the Messiah, under whom the city becomes the focal point of worldwide worship (Zechariah 14:16-17). The transformation of geography corresponds to the transformation of human hearts under the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:33). Thus רָאַם not only speaks of heightened terrain but of heightened spiritual reality. Practical Ministry Application 1. Hope amid upheaval: Believers facing instability can look to God, who alone can “raise up” His people and give them an unshakeable place (Hebrews 12:28). Related Biblical Imagery • Psalm 102:16 – “For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in His glory.” Each passage complements Zechariah 14:10, portraying divine exaltation as both physical restoration and spiritual glorification. Christological Perspective Jesus Christ, crucified outside the city yet raised in glory, embodies the pattern of abasement followed by exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11). The ultimate fulfillment of רָאַם finds its resonance in His resurrection and in the promise that those united to Him will be raised and seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6). As Jerusalem is lifted, so is the people of God, secured forever in the New Jerusalem. Final Reflection רָאַם, though used only once, captures the breathtaking moment when God elevates His chosen city, proclaiming His dominion, faithfulness, and redemptive purpose. It invites confidence that the LORD who raises Jerusalem will also raise His people to dwell with Him in everlasting peace. Forms and Transliterations וְֽרָאֲמָה֩ וראמה veraaMah wə·rā·’ă·māh wərā’ămāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zechariah 14:10 HEB: נֶ֖גֶב יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם וְֽרָאֲמָה֩ וְיָשְׁבָ֨ה תַחְתֶּ֜יהָ NAS: of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain KJV: of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited INT: south of Jerusalem will rise and remain site 1 Occurrence |
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