רָפַד
𐤓𐤐𐤃
râphad
H7502 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To spread out, especially in reference to preparing a surface with coverings; primarily denotes the action of arranging, spreading, or laying out (e.g., bedding, rugs, carpets) to create a suitable surface for lying or reclining. In some contexts, it denotes making a place comfortable, preparing a bed or couch, or, more metaphorically, providing ease and support.
Semantic Range
to spread (a bed, carpet, mat, rug), to arrange or prepare a resting place, to make comfortable, to provide or pad with support, to refresh, to comfort (by implication), to provide ease
Root / Etymology
The verb רָפַד (râphad) derives from the root רפד, which in Semitic linguistics carries the core idea of 'spreading' or 'padding out.' The base meaning is to spread something (such as a rug, mat, or bedding) in preparation for rest or comfort. The connection to comfort or refreshment develops secondarily from the act of making a place suitable for relaxation or sleep, rather than from any inherent root meaning of 'comfort.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, רָפַד is used both in literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes spreading out bedding or creating a comfortable place to recline (e.g., Proverbs 7:16, 'I have spread my couch'). The sense extends to making a place more inviting or hospitable. In some poetic or prophetic passages (e.g., Isaiah 57:8), the term is used with a figurative nuance to describe moral laxity or indulgence. The word maintained its 'spreading' or 'arranging' sense throughout the major biblical periods, but the emphasis on comfort or support arose especially in later texts, including in post-exilic Hebrew and Rabbinic literature, where it could mean to provide physical or emotional support. English translations often emphasize physical comfort or refreshment, but this narrows the primary meaning of deliberate arrangement or preparation. Related Hebrew words like עָרַס (to couch, spread a bed) and רָבַץ (to lie down) overlap in context but stress slightly different aspects: עָרַס puts more emphasis on the act of arranging, while רָפַד focuses on the spreading-out action of what is arranged.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to spread (a bed); by implication, to refresh; comfort, make (a bed), spread.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רפד (r-p-d) — spreading, arranging, padding
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7507 | רְפִידָה | his spread-out base |
| H7508 | רְפִידִים | in Rephidim |
| H774 | אַרְפָּד | Arpad |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7502-01 |
רַפְּד֖וּ/נִי | rapeduni | HVpv2mp/Sp1cs |
refresh me | Pad me | 1 |
H7502-02 |
רִפַּ֥דְתִּי | ripadeti | HVpp1cs |
I have spread | I have spread out | 1 |
H7502-03 |
יִרְפַּ֖ד | yirepad | HVqi3ms |
run | he will spread out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7502-02 |
Job 17:13 | רִפַּ֥דְתִּי | ripadeti | HVpp1cs |
I have spread | I have spread out |
H7502-03 |
Job 41:22 | יִרְפַּ֖ד | yirepad | HVqi3ms |
run | he will spread out |
H7502-01 |
Song of Songs 2:5 | רַפְּד֖וּ/נִי | rapeduni | HVpv2mp/Sp1cs |
refresh me | Pad me |