רְפִידָה
𐤓𐤐𐤉𐤃𐤄
rᵉphîydâh
H7507 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A surface or structure that is spread out to serve as a support, especially as the bottom, base, or flooring of an object. In many contexts, רְפִידָה refers to a platform, base, or bedding-like support, particularly the bottom surface of a conveyance (such as a wagon). Semantically, it denotes the idea of something physically laid out as a support or foundation in practical settings.
Semantic Range
base, bottom, platform, support surface, flooring; in later usage, a kind of pallet or bedding
Root / Etymology
The word derives from the Hebrew root רָפַד (r-p-d), which means 'to spread out,' 'to lay down,' or 'to cover.' רְפִידָה is a feminine noun formation from this root, signifying something that has been spread out—specifically, a kind of base or platform.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רְפִידָה appears only rarely in the Hebrew Bible and is an example of a material culture term referring to the structure or furnishing of wagons, carts, or perhaps other built objects. In Ezekiel 23:41, it refers to the platform or base spread on a frame, possibly as the bottom of a couch or wagon. Later rabbinic Hebrew sometimes uses the term for a kind of bedding or pallet, but in the biblical context, the emphasis is on a structural, not bedding, function. The English term 'railing' used in some translations reflects a guess based on physical placement, but 'base', 'platform', or 'bottom support' are more congruent with the original usage. This term does not carry symbolic or cultic significance and is not connected to liturgical terminology. Unlike מִטָּה (mattāh, 'bed') or יָצוּעַ (yātsûaʿ, 'couch'), רְפִידָה denotes a particular fitted or constructed element within a piece of furniture or vehicle.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָפַד; a railing (as spread along); bottom.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רפד (r-p-d) — to spread, lay down, cover
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7507-01 |
רְפִידָת֣/וֹ | refidato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
its back | his spread-out base | its spread-out base | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7507-01 |
Song of Songs 3:10 | רְפִידָת֣/וֹ | refidato | HNcfsc/Sp3ms |
its back | his spread-out base | its spread-out base |