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רֹקַח

𐤓𐤒𐤇

rôqach

H7545 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רקח to mix, to blend, to compound (aromatic substances)

Definition

A compound or mixture of aromatic substances, especially a prepared ointment, balm, or perfume, typically used for medicinal, cosmetic, or ritual purposes. The term רֹקַח refers to both the substance itself and, by extension, sometimes to the act of compounding or mixing aromatics.

Semantic Range

aromatic compound, ointment, perfume, blended incense preparation, balm, sometimes specifically sacred anointing oil or incense

Root / Etymology

From the root רָקַח, meaning 'to compound, to mix, to blend.' רֹקַח is a noun form, referring specifically to the product—the compound or mixture produced by a perfumer or apothecary. The noun emphasizes the finished substance rather than the action of mixing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical contexts, רֹקַח refers primarily to aromatic substances compounded by skilled individuals (often translated 'apothecary' or 'perfumer'), notably for use in sacred anointing oil (Exod 30:25, 35; 37:29). These ointments or balms played roles in cultic rituals, consecration, and sometimes in healing or cosmetic applications. The word is relatively rare and often associated with ritual or high-status uses rather than everyday substances. In later Hebrew, by metonymy, the term could sometimes extend to describe the apothecary or perfumer. The English 'confection' does not accurately convey the aromatic or cosmetic dimensions intrinsic in the Hebrew; 'ointment' or 'incense preparation' better reflect its biblical use. Not to be confused with רֶקַח (rekach), which has distinct usage. In post-biblical Hebrew, related terms came to refer more broadly to medicine or pharmacy, a semantic shift not present in biblical occurrences.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רַקּוֹן; an aromatic; confection, ointment.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רקח (r-q-ḥ) — to mix, to blend, to compound (aromatic substances)

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4840 מֶרְקָח aromatic compounds
H4841 מֶרְקָחָה the ointment-mixing vessel
H4842 מִרְקַחַת in a compounded ointment of
H7543 רָקַח carefully compounded ones
H7544 רֶקַח the aromatic compound

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H7545-01 רֹ֥קַח roqach HNcmsc compound blended aromatic compound of 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7545-01 Exodus 30:25 רֹ֥קַח roqach HNcmsc perfume blended aromatic compound of
H7545-01 Exodus 30:35 רֹ֖קַח roqach HNcmsa compound blended aromatic compound of
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