רַעַם
𐤓𐤏𐤌
raʻam
H7482 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The sound of thunder, especially as a powerful or awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, often associated with a storm or theophanic events; refers explicitly to the auditory experience rather than the meteorological phenomenon itself. Can be both literal (the rumble or roar heard in nature) and metaphorical (evoking the idea of overwhelming power or an announcement of divine activity).
Semantic Range
thunder (audible phenomenon), peal of thunder, thunderclap, rumbling noise, figuratively: overwhelming sound or announcement of divine presence
Root / Etymology
Root: רעם (r-'-m). The root denotes the idea of making a loud noise or rumbling, typically used of the noise of thunder. The noun רַעַם derives from this root and denotes the thunder itself—the sound produced in the sky, especially in the context of storms or divine manifestations. The root is not limited to meteorological thunder, and in broader ancient Semitic context can involve any loud, rumbling sound.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, רַעַם is primarily used of the literal sound of thunder, particularly in descriptions of storms or when depicting remarkable natural events as signs of divine power—most notably in poetic texts (e.g. Psalms, Job). The term may be used in connection with appearances of the deity (theophany), where thunder signals the presence, voice, or judgment of the divine. While some translations render this word as 'thunder,' the Hebrew term may carry a broader association with the awe-inspiring or fear-inducing aspects of a loud, overwhelming noise. The singular form רַעַם can function collectively, and is sometimes paralleled with terms for 'sound,' 'voice,' or 'storm.' The root is distinct from other meteorological terms such as בָּרָק (baraq, 'lightning') and קוֹל (qol, 'voice' or 'sound'), which may be used in combination with רַעַם to enhance poetic effect. Later tradition, including early translations (such as the Septuagint), commonly uses Greek βροντή (brontē) for this word, which is similarly specific to thunder, though English traditions sometimes obscure its metaphorical associations. The word's usage remains consistent from early Israelite poetry through post-exilic texts, maintaining its zeroing-in on the audible phenomenon rather than the meteorological system as a whole.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָעַם; a peal of thunder; thunder.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רעם (r-ʿ-m) — to roar, make a loud noise, thunder
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7481 | רָעַם | to make her thunder |
| H7483 | רַעְמָה | quivering mane |
| H7484 | רַעְמָה | Thunderer |
| H7485 | רַעַמְיָה | Yahweh has caused trembling |
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7482-03 |
רַעַמְ/ךָ֨ | raamekha | HNcmsc/Sp2ms |
of your thunder | your thunder-roar | 2 |
H7482-02 |
רַ֑עַם | raam | HNcmsa |
of thunder | thunder-roar | 2 |
H7482-01 |
בְּ/רַ֥עַם | beraam | HR/Ncmsa |
with thunder | in thunder-peal | 1 |
H7482-04 |
וְ/רַ֥עַם | veraam | HC/Ncmsc |
and-thunder | thunder-sound | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7482-01 |
Isaiah 29:6 | בְּ/רַ֥עַם | beraam | HR/Ncmsa |
with thunder | in thunder-peal |
H7482-03 |
Psalms 77:19 | רַעַמְ/ךָ֨ | raamekha | HNcmsc/Sp2ms |
of your thunder | your thunder-roar |
H7482-02 |
Psalms 81:8 | רַ֑עַם | raam | HNcmsa |
of thunder | thunder-roar |
H7482-03 |
Psalms 104:7 | רַֽ֝עַמְ/ךָ֗ | raamekha | HNcmsc/Sp2ms |
your thunder | your thunder-roar |
H7482-04 |
Job 26:14 | וְ/רַ֥עַם | veraam | HC/Ncmsc |
and-thunder | thunder-sound |
H7482-02 |
Job 39:25 | רַ֥עַם | raam | HNcmsc |
thunder | thunder-roar |