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רַקָּח

𐤓𐤒𐤇

raqqâch

H7546 noun

SILEX Entry

Root רקח to mix, to compound, to prepare (spices/ointment)

Definition

A specialist who prepares aromatic substances, especially perfumes and incense, generally by skillfully compounding spices, oils, and resins for ritual or personal use. In Ancient Israelite society, a 'raqqâch' was a tradesperson engaged in making or compounding aromatic preparations, most notably those used in the Temple for sacred purposes, but also for other forms of anointing and personal use.

Semantic Range

perfumer, compounder of aromatic preparations, maker of incense, preparer of anointing oils

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root רָקַח (r-q-ḥ), meaning 'to mix, compound, or prepare (spices or ointment)'. The noun רַקָּח is a denominative agent noun, referring to one who performs the act of compounding spices or ointments.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The role of the רַקָּח appears primarily in priestly and ritual contexts—most notably in Exodus, where they are referenced regarding the preparation of sacred anointing oil and incense used in the Tabernacle. This profession developed in the context of the Israelite sanctuary's regulated ritual life, where precise formulas for incense and oils were given (Exodus 30:25, 35; 1 Chronicles 9:30). The רַקָּח is not a healer or physician per se, and the English term 'apothecary' may mislead modern readers, as ancient 'apothecaries' focused on perfumery and ritual, not medicinal compounds. In later periods, the role may have broadened as perfumery and the compounding of scented oils grew more associated with luxury and burial practices. Unlike the noun 'חָרָשׁ' (craftsman) or 'רֹפֵא' (healer), 'רַקָּח' is specific to aromatic preparation and not to general craftsmanship or medicine. Traditional English renderings such as 'apothecary' reflect the KJV's language, but 'perfumer' more accurately conveys the intended sense in biblical Hebrew contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from רָקַח; a male perfumer; apothecary.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רקח (r-q-ḥ) — to mix, to compound, to prepare (spices, ointments)

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
H7546-01 הָ/רַקָּחִ֑ים haraqachim HTd/Ncmpa the perfumers the aromatic compounders 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H7546-01 Nehemiah 3:8 הָ/רַקָּחִ֑ים haraqachim HTd/Ncmpa the perfumers the aromatic compounders
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