רָזַם
𐤓𐤆𐤌
râzam
H7335 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To wink with the eye, especially in a manner associated with mockery, derision, or secret communication. The verb implies a non-verbal gesture often used to signal covert meaning, ridicule, or intent. While the core sense involves a subtle movement of the eyelid, its usage in biblical context carries connotations of malice, scorn, or conspiratorial intent.
Semantic Range
to wink with the eye (in mockery or derision), to signal covert intent or scorn, to gesture nonverbally with malicious or conspiratorial intent
Root / Etymology
Root: רזם (ר-ז-ם). This root is rare and found only in specific verb forms. The root is connected to actions of signaling, particularly with the eyes, but its precise derivation and relationship to other roots are uncertain. Cognate roots in other Semitic languages are lacking; etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָזַם occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible (Psalm 35:19), where winking is connected with enemies acting in mockery or derision. In this context, the gesture is associated with covert hostility or contempt, not innocent jest. The action was understood as a non-verbal sign conveying scorn or secret plotting. Other Hebrew verbs (such as קרץ 'to wink' or רמז 'to hint') may overlap semantically but tend to emphasize different physical gestures or types of communication. English translations often render רָזַם as 'wink,' which in modern English does not always carry a negative implication; in the biblical context, the act has a specifically derisive or hostile sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to twinkle the eye (in mockery); wink.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רזם (r-z-m) — to signal, gesture, wink
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7335-01 |
יִּרְזְמ֥וּ/ן | yirezemun | HVqi3mp/Sn |
do your eyes wink | they wink in scorn | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7335-01 |
Job 15:12 | יִּרְזְמ֥וּ/ן | yirezemun | HVqi3mp/Sn |
do your eyes wink | they wink in scorn |