מֶרְקָח (mer.qach)
mer.qach
spice
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun merqach refers to a fragrant substance, specifically spice or perfume. In the Bible, it appears only once, in Song of Solomon 5:13, where it describes the cheeks of the beloved. The context suggests a rich, aromatic scent, likely derived from crushed spices or oils used in ancient perfumery.
Its singular occurrence highlights its role as a sensory detail rather than a theological term. Translators typically render it as "spice" or "perfume," capturing the idea of something pleasant and intoxicating to the sense of smell. The word evokes an atmosphere of luxury and intimacy, fitting the poetic celebration of love in its verse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merqach appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the poetic imagery of Song of Solomon 5:13. Here, it describes the beloved’s cheeks as a bed of spices, evoking a rich, aromatic presence that fills the senses. This singular usage highlights how sensory details in biblical poetry can convey intimacy and beauty without needing complex theological explanation.
For your faith life, this reminds us that God often speaks through the tangible and beautiful aspects of creation. Just as spices were valued for their fragrance and rarity, so too are the small, pleasant moments in our daily lives significant. They invite us to pause and appreciate the goodness woven into ordinary experiences.
When we encounter such imagery, we are drawn to consider how God uses physical sensations to reflect spiritual truths. The warmth of connection, the comfort of presence, and the joy of shared moments all point toward a Creator who delights in both the material and the relational. Let this word encourage you to notice the fragrant details in your own story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- aromatic herbs1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֶרְקָחִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 5:13
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
This verse uses merqach to describe the beloved's cheeks as a bed of spices, emphasizing sensory richness and intimacy rather than abstract doctrine.