רָבַךְ (ra.vakh)
ra.vakh
to stir
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ravakh means to mix or stir, describing the physical act of combining substances. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within ritual instructions for preparing sacred oils and incense. In Leviticus 4:17, the priest dips his finger into blood and stirs it before sprinkling it, an action that suggests agitation rather than simple pouring.
Its second occurrence in 1 Chronicles 9:29 lists those responsible for mixing the spices used in the tabernacle. The word’s rarity highlights its specific function in describing the careful preparation of holy items. Translators often render it as "mix," capturing the deliberate blending required for these sacred duties.
The term’s limited usage underscores the precision involved in ancient worship practices. By focusing on the physical act of stirring, the text emphasizes the tangible care taken in handling materials dedicated to God. This concrete detail connects the mundane task of mixing with the spiritual significance of the resulting offerings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ra-vakh describes the physical act of stirring or mixing ingredients together. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within instructions for preparing sacred offerings. In Leviticus 7:12, it refers to cakes mixed with oil for a thanksgiving sacrifice. This simple action highlights the care taken in worship, where even mundane tasks like blending spices become acts of devotion.
When we engage in our daily routines, there is value in approaching them with similar intentionality. Whether preparing food or serving others, these small moments can reflect a heart dedicated to God. The precision required in ancient rituals reminds us that nothing offered to the Lord is too small to be done well. This perspective invites us to find sacredness in the ordinary details of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mixed1×
- and/ to the/ mixed [dough]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֻרְבֶּ֔כֶת1×
- וְ/לַ/מֻּרְבָּ֑כֶת1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 7:12
If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil.
This verse uses the word to describe unleavened cakes mixed with oil, illustrating its specific application in preparing thanksgiving offerings.
-
I Chronicles 23:29
for the show bread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all measurements of quantity and size;
Here the term relates to the preparation of fine flour and other ingredients, showing its role in maintaining the tabernacle's daily rituals.