רוֹמְמָה
exaltation, i.e. praise
Definition
The Hebrew noun רוֹמְמָה (rôwmᵉmâh) means 'exaltation' or 'high praise.' It specifically denotes the act of lifting up or raising high, often in a figurative sense of praising God with elevated, triumphant language. In its single biblical occurrence in Psalm 149:6, it describes the 'high praises of God' being in the throats of His faithful people, suggesting praise that is both lofty in content and triumphant in spirit. As a feminine active participle form, it carries a sense of an ongoing, active state of exaltation.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 149:6. It appears in the context of a victory psalm, where the faithful are called to praise God with musical instruments and with 'high praises' (רוֹמְמָה) in their throats. The usage is liturgical and celebratory, directly connected to communal worship and the expression of God's majesty and saving acts. The context implies a praise that is not quiet or subdued but is vigorous and exalted.
Etymology
רוֹמְמָה is derived from the root רוּם (rûm, H7311), meaning 'to be high' or 'to exalt.' It is specifically the feminine form of the active participle of the verb רָמַם (rāmam, H7426), which is an alternate form of רוּם. The root conveys the core idea of height, lifting up, and exaltation. Cognates in other Semitic languages share this sense of physical height and, by extension, dignity and praise.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it captures the essence of worship that recognizes God's supreme majesty. The 'high praises' of Psalm 149:6 are the appropriate response of God's people to His kingship and justice. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting that biblical praise is not merely thankful sentiment but an active, elevating declaration of God's worth that corresponds to His exalted nature. It connects human worship directly to the character of God as the 'Most High.'
In ancient Israelite culture, praise was often expressed aloud and communally, with physical gestures and music. The concept of 'high' praise (רוֹמְמָה) would resonate in a culture where height was metaphorically associated with power, authority, and divinity. Such praise was a public, vocal affirmation of God's superiority over all other claimed powers, fitting especially in psalms celebrating military deliverance, as in Psalm 149.
תְּהִלָּה (tᵊhillâ, H8416) — a more general term for 'praise' or 'song of praise,' often used in psalm titles. זִמְרָה (zimrâ, H2172) — a 'song' or 'melody,' focusing on the musical aspect of praise. שֶׁבַח (sheḇaḥ, H7623) — 'praise' or 'glory,' often for commendation or renown.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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