Brief Overview of Ῥαμά (Strong’s G4471: Rhama)

Strong’s G4471: A proper noun denoting Ramah, an ancient city in Benjamin’s territory, about 5 miles north of Jerusalem. In the New Testament, appears in Matthew’s citation of Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning Rachel weeping for her children. Significant in both historical and prophetic contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥαμά represents a location deeply embedded in Israel’s history and prophecy. In its New Testament context, it appears in Matthew’s gospel connecting Herod’s slaughter of the innocents to Jeremiah’s prophecy about Rachel’s weeping. The place name carries profound significance as a symbol of maternal grief and national suffering. Early church fathers saw in this connection a powerful link between Old Testament prophecy and Christ’s early life. Today, this word continues to remind us of God’s sovereignty in fulfilling prophecy and His presence in times of suffering.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Ῥαμά, Rhama, /raˈma/
• Pronunciation Guide: “rah-MAH” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Hebrew origin: רָמָה (ramah)
• Meaning “height” or “high place”
• Transliterated into Greek

D – Defining Meanings

• Ancient city of Ramah
• High place
• Historical site in Benjamin
• Prophetic location

Translation Options:

• Ramah – Standard transliteration
• Rama – Alternative spelling
• Height – Literal meaning of Hebrew root

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Βηθλεέμ (Bēthleem) /bethleˈem/ – Bethlehem – See G965
• Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm) /hierousaˈlem/ – Jerusalem – See G2419
• Βενιαμίν (Beniamin) /beniaˈmin/ – Benjamin – See G958

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• As a proper noun:
• Indeclinable
• Feminine gender
• No case variations
• No number variations
• Functions primarily in locative contexts

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its connection to Jeremiah’s prophecy. Thayer’s notes its historical significance. LSJ provides limited coverage as a place name. Vine’s highlights its prophetic importance. Strong’s connects it to its Hebrew etymology. LEH traces its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan note its appearance in Jewish documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“A voice was heard in [Ῥαμά] Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” Matthew 2:18

Additional References:
No additional New Testament references.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Since Ῥαμά is a Hebrew place name, examples come from Jewish historical sources:

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥαμά serves as a powerful link between prophecy and fulfillment in the gospel narrative. Its mention in Matthew proclaims the good news by showing how God’s word is fulfilled even in tragic circumstances, and how Christ’s coming occurs within the broader context of Israel’s history and suffering. This place name reminds us that God works His purposes even through painful historical events.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ramah was Samuel’s hometown and the site of his court.
2. Early Christian pilgrims often visited Ramah to commemorate Rachel’s tomb.
3. The site played a role in both the divided kingdom period and exile narratives.

Strong’s G4471: A place name denoting the ancient city of Ramah, significant in both historical and prophetic contexts. Used in Matthew’s gospel to connect Herod’s actions to Jeremiah’s prophecy. Symbolizes both national suffering and prophetic fulfillment.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Tags: Ramah, prophecy, Rachel, weeping, Jeremiah, Matthew, Herod, Benjamin, geography, biblical places, fulfillment, lamentation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​