רָצַץ
ra.tsats
to crush
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "רָצַץ" (ra.tsats) is defined as "to crush." Its usage falls under the semantic domain of Physical Action, indicating that it is a verb describing a physical act of force. This meaning is consistent across its 19 occurrences in the Bible, suggesting that "רָצַץ" is a concrete action that is not typically nuanced or abstracted. The physical nature of "רָצַץ" is evident in its use to describe actions such as breaking grains (Deuteronomy 16:3) or crushing stones (2 Samuel 12:31). In both cases, the emphasis is on the physical act of applying force to break or crush an object. This usage suggests that "רָצַץ" is a fundamental concept for conveying physical force or destructive action. The significance of "רָצַץ" lies in its ability to convey a clear physical action, unambiguously describing the act of crushing something. While its usage is consistent and physical, its 19 occurrences in the Bible suggest that this verb has a notable place in the Hebrew lexicon, potentially serving as a key term for describing destructive or forceful actions.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
19 total occurrences across the text
For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house, and he will not build it up.
Psalms 74:14You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces. You gave him as food to people and desert creatures.
Ecclesiastes 12:6before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
Ecclesiastes 12:6before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
Isaiah 36:6Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
Isaiah 42:3He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
Isaiah 42:4He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands wait for his law.”
Isaiah 58:6“Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
Ezekiel 29:7When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you broke, and paralyzed all of their thighs.”
Hosea 5:11Ephraim is oppressed, he is crushed in judgment; Because he is intent in his pursuit of idols.
Amos 4:1Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their husbands, “Bring us drinks!”
Genesis 25:22The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Yahweh.
Deuteronomy 28:33A nation which you don’t know will eat the fruit of your ground and all of your work. You will only be oppressed and crushed always,
Judges 9:53A certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, and broke his skull.
Judges 10:8They troubled and oppressed the children of Israel that year. For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel that were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
1 Samuel 12:3Here I am. Witness against me before Yahweh, and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Of whose hand have I taken a bribe to make me blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.”
1 Samuel 12:4They said, “You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything from anyone’s hand.”
2 Kings 18:21Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him.
2 Chronicles 16:10Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in the prison; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.