רָחֹק (ra.choq)
ra.choq
distant
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 74 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rāchōq describes something that is far away, whether in physical space or in time. It functions as both an adjective and a noun, capturing the state of being distant or the actual distance itself. In Genesis 22:4, Abraham sees the place of sacrifice "from afar," illustrating its literal use for spatial separation. Similarly, it marks temporal gaps, such as events that happened "long ago" in Isaiah 37:26.
Beyond simple measurement, rāchōq carries significant emotional and theological weight. It often describes a state of separation from God’s help or presence, as seen when the psalmist cries out that his help is far off (Psalm 10:1). Conversely, it can denote value; Proverbs 31:10 calls a wife of noble character "far" or precious, suggesting that rarity and distance from the ordinary increase worth. This nuanced usage shows how physical distance in Hebrew thought often translates to relational or spiritual significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about distance in Scripture, it often marks a moment of waiting or reverence. In Exodus, the people stood at a distance from Sinai, respecting the holiness of God’s presence. This physical gap reminds us that some things require space to be properly honored. It is not about exclusion, but about recognizing that the divine is greater than our immediate grasp.
Yet this word also brings comfort. In Deuteronomy 30:11, Moses assures Israel that God’s command is not distant or out of reach. You do not need to travel to a far-off land to find truth or obedience. The guidance you need is here, available in the present moment. This balance between holy distance and near availability helps us navigate our relationship with God.
Whether you feel separated by circumstance or drawn close by grace, this word invites trust. It acknowledges that while some things are far away, God’s promises remain accessible. We can rest in the knowledge that He is both worthy of awe and close enough to hear your prayer today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 74 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ a distance27×
- distant9×
- <to>/ from/ distant [time]4×
- from/ a distant [land]3×
- and/ <the>/ far3×
- from/ distant [time]2×
- far away2×
- [was] far2×
- [is] far away2×
- [is] far2×
- <to>/ from/ afar2×
- <to>/ from/ a distance2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/רָחֽוֹק\׃4×
- רָח֣וֹק3×
- רְחוֹקָ֖ה3×
- מֵֽ/רָח֖וֹק3×
- מֵֽ/רָח֔וֹק3×
- מֵ/רָחֹֽק\׃3×
- מֵ/רָחֹ֑ק3×
- מֵ/רָח֣וֹק3×
- רְחוֹקָ֛ה2×
- מֵ/רָחוֹק֙2×
- מֵ/רָח֖וֹק2×
- מֵ/רָח֔וֹק2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 20:18
All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.
This verse captures the natural human response to divine holiness, where physical distance becomes an expression of reverence.
-
Deuteronomy 30:11
For this commandment which I command you today is not too hard for you or too distant.
Here the word shifts from spatial separation to accessibility, reassuring believers that God’s will is not hidden or unreachable.
-
Genesis 22:4
On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place far off.
Abraham sees the place of sacrifice far off, highlighting how distance can serve as a period of faith and preparation before action.
-
I Kings 8:41
“Moreover, concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when he comes out of a far country for your name’s sake
Solomon prays for foreigners from distant lands, showing that God’s reach extends beyond Israel to those who seek Him from afar.