רֶגֶשׁ

a tumultuous crowd

Definition

The Hebrew noun רֶגֶשׁ (regesh) refers to a noisy, agitated, or tumultuous gathering of people. It describes a crowd characterized by commotion, often with negative connotations of unrest or insurrection. In Psalm 55:14, the word is used in a more intimate, though still emotionally charged, sense for a close circle of companions with whom one shares deep fellowship, yet this very group can become a source of betrayal. In its other occurrence, Psalm 64:2, the meaning shifts to a hostile, conspiratorial crowd plotting violence, highlighting the word's range from trusted company to threatening mob.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the Psalms. It appears in contexts of social and emotional turbulence. In Psalm 55:14, it describes the psalmist's former circle of close friends ('the sweet counsel together, in the house of God we walked with the regesh'). In Psalm 64:2, it refers to a threatening assembly: 'Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection (regesh) of the workers of iniquity.' The usage pattern shows it can denote either a familiar group or a rebellious, noisy multitude, with the context determining the specific nuance.

Etymology

The noun רֶגֶשׁ (regesh) is derived from the root verb רָגַשׁ (ragash, H7283), which means 'to be in a tumult, to rage, to be agitated.' This root conveys the core idea of noisy commotion or stirring. The feminine form רִגְשָׁה (rigshah) also exists. The word's development from a verb indicating agitation directly informs its nominal meaning of a tumultuous or stirred-up crowd.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the tension between covenant community and betrayal, and between divine protection and human conspiracy. In Psalm 55, it deepens the pain of betrayal by showing that the threat comes from within one's own trusted spiritual circle. In Psalm 64, it highlights the need for God's deliverance from the plots of the wicked. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of these psalms by emphasizing the emotional and social chaos from which the psalmist cries out for God's justice and refuge.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, especially in the communal life of Israel, a close-knit group (like the one in Psalm 55:14) sharing worship and counsel was a fundamental social and spiritual unit. Betrayal from such a group was a profound violation. Conversely, a tumultuous crowd (Psalm 64:2) often represented political instability or direct opposition to God's anointed, a common theme in the psalms of lament. The word's dual use reflects the high stakes of loyalty and the ever-present danger of social upheaval.

הָמוֹן (hamon, H1995) — a more general term for a multitude or crowd, not necessarily tumultuous. קָהָל (qahal, H6951) — an assembly or congregation, often for a formal, purposeful gathering. סוֹד (sod, H5475) — a council or intimate circle of confidants, focusing on confidential deliberation rather than noise.

Word Details

Scripture References