רָזַן

From the study of Psalm 2:2

Range of meaning

Found only as a participle used as a noun: 'rulers, dignitaries, high officials'. It is a poetic word, always paired with 'kings' or 'judges' (Judg 5:3; Prov 8:15; 31:4; Isa 40:23; Hab 1:10). Lexicons compare Arabic razuna, 'to be weighty, dignified', which would give the sense 'weighty men, grandees.'

Against the English

'Rulers' (most versions) or 'princes' (YLT). Both are acceptable. The Hebrew is a lofty poetic word, not an everyday term for an office.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint has archontes, 'rulers'. Prov 8:15 says 'by me kings reign and rozenim decree what is just', and Isa 40:23 has God 'bringing rozenim to nothing', which is the same reversal Psalm 2 goes on to describe.

From the study of Proverbs 31:4

Range of meaning

Participle of rāzan, a rare root linked by lexicons (BDB, HALOT) to Arabic and Akkadian words for being weighty, firm or commanding. It names 'dignitaries, potentates, high officials'. It is used only in poetry, always alongside 'kings' or 'judges'.

Against the English

KJV and WEB have 'princes', BSB, NIV and ESV 'rulers'. 'Princes' may suggest a king's sons to modern readers, but the word means men who hold ruling power, not royal children.

How it drifted

In 1611 'prince' commonly meant any sovereign or ruler, as in Machiavelli's The Prince. Today it mainly means a king's son.

Used elsewhere in the period

Judg 5:3 ('Hear, O kings; give ear, O potentates'); Ps 2:2 (rulers plotting against the LORD's anointed); Prov 8:15 ('by me kings reign and potentates decree what is just', with wisdom speaking); Isa 40:23; Hab 1:10.

From the study of Proverbs 8:15

Range of meaning

The form is the plural participle of a verb found nowhere else in the Bible. As a noun it means 'rulers, potentates, dignitaries'. Many scholars link it to an Arabic root meaning 'to be weighty, grave, firm'. That would make these 'men of weight', heavy in rank and judgment. The link is likely, not certain.

Against the English

KJV/WEB 'princes' can suggest royal sons to a modern reader, but the word says nothing about royal birth. BSB/ESV/NASB/NIV 'rulers' is closer to the meaning, though it is plainer than the elevated Hebrew word.

How it drifted

In 1611 'prince' could mean any sovereign or leading ruler, a sense still alive in Machiavelli's 'The Prince'. Modern English mostly hears 'son of a king'.

Used elsewhere in the period

It occurs only in poetry, always paired with 'kings': Judg 5:3 ('Hear, O kings; give ear, O rulers'); Ps 2:2 (rulers taking counsel against the LORD); Prov 31:4 (not for rulers to crave strong drink); Isa 40:23 (God brings rulers to nothing); Hab 1:10 (rulers are a joke to the Chaldeans).