אֲרַק (a.raq)
a.raq
earth
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The word araq functions as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew erets, appearing only once in the Bible within Jeremiah 10:11. In this specific instance, it translates to "earth" or "ground," maintaining the same fundamental sense of soil and land found in its Hebrew counterpart.
Its rarity is notable, as biblical Aramaic typically prefers the form aratsa for "earth." The presence of araq here highlights the linguistic diversity within Scripture, where different Semitic languages coexist. This single occurrence serves as a reminder that the concept of the earth carries consistent meaning across these varied textual traditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word araq appears just once in Scripture, found in Jeremiah 10:11. It is the Aramaic term for earth or ground. This single occurrence reminds us that God’s creation spans many languages and cultures. The text contrasts the true Creator with idols made by human hands.
When we read this verse, we see a clear distinction between the living God who made the heavens and the earth, and lifeless objects worshipped by people. It invites us to trust in the One who formed the world, rather than relying on things we can control or build ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ earth/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אַרְקָ֖/א1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 10:11
“You shall say this to them: ‘The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.’”
This verse uses araq to emphasize that idols, unlike the Creator of the earth, will perish.