רַקֻּחַ
𐤓𐤒𐤇
raqquach
H7547 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A compound ointment, aromatic salve, or fragrant perfumed substance, typically prepared by mixing spices, oils, and other ingredients. The term especially refers to mixtures used for anointing, ritual purposes, or personal fragrance.
Semantic Range
perfumed ointment, aromatic salve, compounded perfume, sacred anointing mixture, aromatic substance
Root / Etymology
From the root רָקַח (raqach), meaning 'to mix, compound, or prepare (spices or ointment)'. רַקֻּחַ is the resultative noun formation, indicating the product of compounding—namely, an ointment or aromatic preparation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term רַקֻּחַ occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible and is associated with the work of skilled compounders or perfumers, particularly in the preparation of sacred or ceremonial ointments and incenses (cf. Exodus 30:25, 35). In ancient Israelite context, aromatic mixtures like רַקֻּחַ held ritual significance for anointing priests, objects, or for perfuming tabernacle spaces, signifying sanctification or dedication. Unlike ordinary ointments (e.g. שֶׁמֶן), רַקֻּחַ implies artful mixing and intentional aromatic quality. Later translation traditions rendered this with terms like 'perfume' or 'ointment'; in some English translations, the subtle distinction between functional oil, medicinal salve, and sacred perfume is blurred. By the Second Temple period, the underlying concept evolved with further differentiation between ritual, cosmetic, and medicinal fragranced substances.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָקַח; a scented substance; perfume.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רקח (r-q-ḥ) — to mix, to compound, to concoct
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7547-01 |
רִקֻּחָ֑יִ/ךְ | riquchayikhe | HNcmpc/Sp2fs |
your perfumes | your compounded ointments | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7547-01 |
Isaiah 57:9 | רִקֻּחָ֑יִ/ךְ | riquchayikhe | HNcmpc/Sp2fs |
your perfumes | your compounded ointments |