יְרַקְרַק (ye.raq.raq)
ye.raq.raq
greenish
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective yerakraq describes a specific shade of color: greenish, pale green, or greenish-yellow. It is a descriptive term used to identify visual characteristics in nature, appearing only twice in the entire Hebrew Bible. Its rarity suggests it was employed for precise distinction rather than general description.
This word occurs in Leviticus 13, where it describes the discoloration of skin or fabric that may indicate a ritual impurity. In these contexts, the priest examines whether the affected area has taken on this particular pale green hue. The term helps distinguish between normal variations in appearance and signs requiring further inspection or quarantine under Mosaic law.
The root relates to the word for "green" (yareq), but yerakraq adds a nuance of paleness or dullness. This subtle difference matters in the ritual context, where exact visual assessment determines religious status. Translators typically render it as "greenish" or "pale green," preserving the specificity that the original audience would have recognized.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yerakraq points to a very specific shade—greenish or pale green. It appears only twice in Scripture, both times in Leviticus during instructions for priests examining skin or homes. This rarity highlights how carefully ancient Israelites were called to observe details in their physical surroundings.
For your faith today, this precision reminds us that God cares about the concrete realities of life. He did not leave His people guessing about what required attention. In Leviticus 13:49, for instance, a greenish tint in fabric signaled a need for inspection. This shows that spiritual discernment often begins with paying close attention to the world around us.
When you face situations requiring careful judgment, remember that God values clarity and honesty. He invites you to look closely at your circumstances without rushing to conclusions. This thoughtful approach helps maintain purity in heart and community, reflecting a deep respect for the order He established.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- greenish2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְרַקְרַקֹּ֔ת1×
- יְרַקְרַ֣ק\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 13:49
if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the leather, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything made of leather; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown to the priest.
This verse uses yerakraq to describe a greenish discoloration in fabric or leather that requires priestly inspection for ritual impurity.
-
Leviticus 14:37
He shall examine the plague; and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it appears to be deeper than the wall,
Here the term identifies hollow, greenish streaks in house walls that suggest a deeper structural issue requiring examination.