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רִמָּה

𐤓𐤌𐤄

rimmâh

H7415 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רום to be high, to rise, to be exalted (root level only)

Definition

A maggot, specifically the larval stage of certain insects, typically found in decaying organic matter. In the Hebrew Bible, rimmâh refers to maggots or worms, especially those associated with decay and decomposition, both in literal references (such as decay of flesh or food) and metaphorical uses indicating corruption, destruction, or insignificance.

Semantic Range

maggot, larva, worm associated with decay; by extension, symbol of decay or corruption; (figurative) insignificance or destructibility of mortals

Root / Etymology

From the root רום (rum), meaning 'to be high, exalted,' though the direct phonological path is debated and the connection may rest on the idea of 'swarming' or 'massing,' possibly as an intensive or denominative form (root והמשנה uncertain). The derivation from רָמַם (ramam, 'to be high, exalted') is suggested in lexicons but semantically obscure; some suggest a relation to the idea of breeding rapidly (masses multiplying quickly).

Historical & Contextual Notes

רִמָּה appears in texts describing physical decay (Job 7:5; Isaiah 14:11), the corruption of the grave (Job 17:14; 21:26; Psalm 22:7), and as a metaphor for mortality and the fleeting nature of life. As decay and maggots are a universal image, the term serves to underline physical destruction and existential futility but should not be confused with תּוֹלֵעָה (tôlēʿāh), which refers specifically to the crimson worm used as a dye source. The usage does not refer to the later cultural meanings of 'worm' as in humility or sinfulness, but to concrete realities of decay and sometimes as an existential metaphor. In rabbinic Hebrew, the term continues to refer to maggots in the context of impurity and decay. Later translations use 'worm' or 'maggot,' but unlike English, the term does not imply earthworms or generic small creatures; it is specific in its reference to decay and corruption, both physically and symbolically.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רָמַם in the sense of breading (compare רוּם); a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively; worm.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רום (r-w-m) — to be high, to rise, to be exalted

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1297 בְּרַם however
H2036 הֹרָם Horam
H2037 הָרֻם Exalted One
H3141 יוֹרָם YHWH-is-Exalted
H3406 יְרִימוֹת to Heights

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7415-02 רִמָּ֔ה rimah HNcfsa maggot maggot 4
H7415-03 וְ/רִמָּ֖ה verimah HC/Ncfsa and worm maggot 2
H7415-01 לָֽ/רִמָּֽה larimah HRd/Ncfsa to the worm to a maggot 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7415-03 Exodus 16:24 וְ/רִמָּ֖ה verimah HC/Ncfsa worm maggot
H7415-02 Isaiah 14:11 רִמָּ֔ה rimah HNcfsa maggot maggot
H7415-02 Job 7:5 רִ֭מָּה rimah HNcfsa with worms maggot
H7415-01 Job 17:14 לָֽ/רִמָּֽה larimah HRd/Ncfsa to the worm to a maggot
H7415-03 Job 21:26 וְ֝/רִמָּ֗ה verimah HC/Ncfsa and worm maggot
H7415-02 Job 24:20 רִמָּ֗ה rimah HNcfsa worm maggot
H7415-02 Job 25:6 רִמָּ֑ה rimah HNcfsa maggot maggot
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