Lexical Summary rippayon: Laxness, slackness, feebleness Original Word: רִפְיוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance feebleness From raphah; slackness -- feebleness. see HEBREW raphah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raphah Definition a sinking NASB Translation limpness (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רִמָּיוֺן Ges§ 85u, or רִפְיוֺן Sta§ 296d compare Köii. 154] noun [masculine] sinking; — construct רִפְיוֺן יָדַיִם Jeremiah 47:3 sinking of hands, figurative of helpless terror. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Narrative Setting רִפְיוֹן (riphyón) appears once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 47:3, within the oracle against Philistia. The prophet depicts the terror unleashed by an invading army: “At the sound of the galloping hooves of his stallions, the rumbling of his chariots, and the clatter of his wheels, fathers have not turned back for their children, because their hands have grown limp” (Jeremiah 47:3). The term renders the collapse of physical and emotional strength as panic overwhelms even the natural protective instinct of a parent. Thus its single occurrence concentrates a vivid picture of judgment-induced helplessness. Symbolism of Hands in Scripture Throughout Scripture the hand embodies agency, power, and responsibility (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 89:13). When hands “grow limp,” the image communicates the evaporation of courage and capability. רִפְיוֹן therefore bears theological weight: human strength, when severed from divine favor, proves unable to meet crisis. Comparable expressions—though using different Hebrew words—appear in Isaiah 13:7; Ezekiel 7:17; and Nahum 2:10, all in contexts of divine judgment, underscoring a canonical theme: God can strip the mighty of their might. Themes of Judgment and Human Frailty Jeremiah 47 situates Philistia’s undoing within the broader tapestry of nations disciplined for arrogance and oppression (Jeremiah 46–51). רִפְיוֹן exposes the heart of that discipline: the Lord’s sovereignty empties enemy fortitude, leaving “no strength to help” (compare Psalm 22:19). The word therefore functions as a moral indictment—self-reliant power collapses when it confronts the righteous purposes of God. Intertextual Echoes Although hapax, the idea resonates across both Testaments. Old Testament imagery of slackened hands meets its antidote in divine encouragement: “Strengthen the weak hands” (Isaiah 35:3). Hebrews 12:12 applies the same exhortation to the church: “Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees,” urging believers to persevere under paternal discipline. The contrast highlights grace’s capacity to reverse רִפְיוֹן, transforming despair into steadfastness. Christological Considerations Jesus Christ embodies the restoration promised by the prophets. Where Philistia’s fathers falter, the Son remains resolute, setting His face toward the cross (Luke 9:51) and securing redemption with hands once pierced yet now mighty to save (John 20:27; Revelation 1:17–18). In Him the believer finds the victory that human resolve alone cannot supply. Pastoral and Homiletical Application 1. Call to Dependence: רִפְיוֹן warns congregations against trusting in military, financial, or intellectual strength. Ministry must direct hearts to “the Lord, the strength of my life” (Psalm 27:1). Devotional Reflection Meditate on Jeremiah 47:3 and invite the Spirit to expose areas of personal רִפְיוֹן—moments when fear or fatigue saps obedience. Pray Psalm 138:3: “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” In Christ, limp hands are lifted, and trembling hearts become instruments of His steadfast power. Forms and Transliterations מֵֽרִפְי֖וֹן מרפיון mê·rip̄·yō·wn merifYon mêrip̄yōwnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 47:3 HEB: אֶל־ בָּנִ֔ים מֵֽרִפְי֖וֹן יָדָֽיִם׃ NAS: Because of the limpness of [their] hands, KJV: to [their] children for feebleness of hands; INT: about children of the limpness of hands 1 Occurrence |
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