מֶרְקָח
𐤌𐤓𐤒𐤇
merqâch
H4840 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A fragrant substance, often aromatic spice or unguent, typically used for perfumery, ritual anointing, or medicinal purposes. The term refers specifically to a compound or mixture prepared for its scent or, in certain contexts, for therapeutic application.
Semantic Range
aromatic compound, fragrant mixture, perfume, anointing oil, medicinal preparation
Root / Etymology
From the root רָקַח (raqach), meaning 'to compound, mix, or prepare (especially perfume or ointment).' The noun מֶרְקָח (merqâch) denotes the product produced by this compounding process, commonly referencing aromatic mixtures.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, מֶרְקָח (merqâch) occurs in contexts involving the preparation of special anointing oils or fragrances, such as those described in Exodus (Exod 30:25). The term always refers to something made by skilled compounding, often for sacred or significant social use. Its usage reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of producing complex perfumes, ointments, or medicinal balms from various ingredients. The standard English translations 'spice,' 'perfume,' or 'sweet compound' do not always fully capture the technical sense of a prepared compound versus a raw ingredient. In later periods, related terms broadened to include a variety of scented or medicinal mixtures. This term is distinct from other Hebrew words for spice (e.g., בֹּשֶׂם, בֶּשֶׂם, or בְּשָׂמִים), which may refer more generally to aromatic substances, whether compounded or not.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָקַח; a spicy herb; [idiom] sweet.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רקח (r-q-ḥ) — to compound, mix, prepare (especially aromatic substances)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4841 | מֶרְקָחָה | the ointment-mixing vessel |
| H4842 | מִרְקַחַת | in a compounded ointment of |
| H7543 | רָקַח | carefully compounded ones |
| H7544 | רֶקַח | the aromatic compound |
| H7545 | רֹקַח | blended aromatic compound of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4840-01 |
מֶרְקָחִ֑ים | mereqachim | HNcmpa |
of perfume | aromatic compounds | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4840-01 |
Song of Songs 5:13 | מֶרְקָחִ֑ים | mereqachim | HNcmpa |
of perfume | aromatic compounds |