יַרְכָה (ye.re.khah)
ye.re.khah
flank
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word yarkah literally means "flank" or "side," derived from the root for thigh. In Scripture, it rarely refers to a human body part and instead describes the outer edges or deepest interior spaces of inanimate objects. It points to what is farthest away, whether that be the border of a territory or the hidden recesses within a structure.
This dual sense appears clearly in the descriptions of Solomon’s Temple. The text specifies boards for the "sides" of the sanctuary, indicating the lateral boundaries (Exodus 26:22-27). Yet in other passages, it denotes the most inaccessible areas, such as the "recesses of Lebanon" or the farthest parts of the earth (Isaiah 14:13; 39:2).
Translators often render yarkah as "coast," "border," or "quarters" depending on context. This word captures the idea of extremity, marking the limits of a space or the depths that are difficult to reach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yarkah points to what is hidden, distant, or deeply interior. It describes the farthest corners of a structure or the deepest recesses of the earth. In ancient Israel, this term marked the boundaries of territory and the inner sanctuaries of worship. It reminds us that God’s presence extends to the most remote places, reaching even into the dark holds of ships or the highest peaks of mountains.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of isolation. When you feel far from home or lost in difficult circumstances, remember that no distance is too great for divine care. The same God who filled the innermost parts of Solomon’s Temple also watches over those in the farthest corners of the world. You are never beyond the reach of His love.
Consider how Jonah found himself in the ship’s deepest hold. Even there, in the dark and quiet, he was known to the Lord. This word invites you to trust that God is present not only in the light of day but also in the hidden places of your life. He sees what is concealed and holds what is distant.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ [the] remotest parts of4×
- [the] remotest parts of4×
- in/ [the] remotest parts of2×
- in the/ innermost parts2×
- for the/ innermost parts2×
- and/ for/ [the] innermost parts of2×
- in/ [the] innermost parts of1×
- from/ [the] innermost parts of1×
- and/ side/ his1×
- [the] innermost parts of1×
- [is] in/ [the] innermost parts of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/יַּרְכְּתֵי\־4×
- יַרְכְּתֵ֣י4×
- לַ/יַּרְכָתַ֖יִם2×
- וּֽ/לְ/יַרְכְּתֵ֥י2×
- בַּ/יַּרְכָתָֽיִם\׃2×
- בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֥י2×
- מִֽ/יַּרְכְּתֵ֤י1×
- יַרְכְּתֵי\־1×
- וְ/יַרְכָת֖/וֹ1×
- בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֪י1×
- בְּ/יַרְכְּתֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
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Jonah 1:5
Then the mariners were afraid, and every man cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship and he was laying down, and was fast asleep.
This verse shows yarkah describing the deepest, darkest part of a ship where Jonah slept, highlighting God's presence even in hidden despair.
-
Exodus 26:22
For the far side of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards.
Here the word defines the structural boundary of the tabernacle's west side, marking the sacred limits of God's dwelling place among Israel.
-
Isaiah 14:13
You said in your heart, “I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north!
The term describes the 'far north,' illustrating how it can denote the most distant and inaccessible regions of the earth.
-
Psalms 128:3
Your wife will be as a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house, your children like olive shoots around your table.
This passage uses yarkah to describe the innermost parts of a house, connecting the word to family life and domestic blessing.