רַמָּךְ
𐤓𐤌𐤊
rammâk
H7424 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A female horse, specifically a mare, typically of substantial size, sometimes with the nuance of a well-bred or noble horse. In some contexts in the Hebrew Bible, the term may emphasize the stature, gentleness, or value of the animal, distinct from generic terms for horse. In post-biblical usage or in later translation traditions, it is sometimes extended to refer to other large domesticated animals (e.g., camel), but within the Hebrew Bible, the sense remains focused on a fine or noble mare.
Semantic Range
mare (female horse), noble/well-bred horse, figure of beauty/prestige; extended (post-biblical) to dromedary (camel) by confusion or analogy
Root / Etymology
Of non-Hebrew, likely Semitic, foreign origin; etymology uncertain. The word does not transparently derive from a recognized Hebrew root, and its formation suggests possible borrowing, possibly from ancient North Arabian or related Semitic languages where similar words denote valuable riding animals.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רַמָּךְ (rammâk) occurs only in Song of Songs 1:9, where it is used in a simile for beauty and nobility: 'To my horse (mare) among Pharaoh's chariots.' The use in this passage suggests an association with the impressive appearance and value of elite horses, especially as bred for royal Egyptian use. The translation as 'dromedary' (one-humped camel) is not supported by usage in the Hebrew Bible but may reflect confusion with similar foreign terms in post-biblical Hebrew or other languages. The word's rarity and context—evoking royal Egyptian stables—implies high status. In rabbinic and late antique usage, similar-sounding terms extend metaphorically to other large animals but without clear biblical support. English translations sometimes opt for general terms like 'steed' or 'stallion,' but the Hebrew indicates a female horse (mare) and the simile intends a positive comparison—elegance, prestige, not mere animal strength.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of foreign origin; a brood mare; dromedary.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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רמך (r-m-k) — mare, noble female horse, valuable riding animal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7424-01 |
הָֽ/רַמָּכִֽים | haramakhim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the mares | noble mares | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7424-01 |
Esther 8:10 | הָֽ/רַמָּכִֽים | haramakhim | HTd/Ncmpa |
the mares | noble mares |