רִגְמָה
𐤓𐤂𐤌𐤄
rigmâh
H7277 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A heap or pile, particularly of stones assembled for a specific purpose; by extension, a gathering or group of people as a collective, typically for consultation or deliberation. The term is used both in its literal sense—a mound or cairn—and figuratively as a term for assembly or council, reflecting the concept of individuals being 'gathered together' much like stones in a pile.
Semantic Range
heap, pile (of stones), cairn, throng, assembly, council (figurative)
Root / Etymology
From the root רגם (r-g-m), meaning 'to pile up, heap, or throw together (as stones)'. 'רִגְמָה' is the feminine noun form, derived from the same root as רֶגֶם (regem, 'pile'). While the root primarily relates to physical piling (esp. of stones), its figurative extension to human gatherings likely arises via the metaphor of individuals assembling as stones are gathered into a heap.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, רִגְמָה appears in contexts that reference piles or heaps, usually of stones, which were commonly used as witnesses to agreements, boundaries, or memorials in ancient Israelite practice. The figurative use to indicate a large gathering of people or a council is less common and likely derives from the image of people assembling as stones do in a pile. Related forms (e.g., רֶגֶם) refer more narrowly to the physical heap, while רִגְמָה allows for both literal and figurative senses depending on context. Most standard English translations reflect only the literal 'heap' sense, though ancient usage may include a broader semantic field associated with assembly and counsel. Later translation traditions may extend the term to concepts of 'council' or 'throng,' but this is best read as a secondary development. No evidence ties the word directly to specific ritual or cultic practices, but stone heaps do appear as significant markers in early Israelite narrative (patriarchal and monarchic periods).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of the same as רֶגֶם; a pile (of stones), i.e. (figuratively) a throng; council.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רגם (r-g-m) — to heap, to pile (stones), to gather
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4773 | מַרְגֵּמָה | in a stone-heap |
| H7275 | רָגַם | to stone |
| H7276 | רֶגֶם | Regem |
| H8638 | תִּרְגַּם | and being translated |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7277-01 |
רִגְמָתָ֑/ם | rigematam | HNcfsc/Sp3mp |
their throng | their stone-heap | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7277-01 |
Psalms 68:28 | רִגְמָתָ֑/ם | rigematam | HNcfsc/Sp3mp |
their throng | their stone-heap |