רְחִיק (ra.chiq)
ra.chiq
far
A:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:A
Word Overview
The Aramaic adjective rĕḥîq means far or distant. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Ezra 6:6, where it describes the geographical distance between the Persian king’s palace and the temple site in Jerusalem. The word functions as a practical descriptor of space rather than a metaphor for spiritual separation.
It is the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew rāḥôq (H7350), sharing the same root meaning. In this specific context, it emphasizes the physical remoteness of the royal authority from the local construction project, highlighting the administrative distance involved in the decree’s execution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Ezra 6:6, the word rĕḥîq describes a physical distance that required careful administrative handling. The Persian officials were told to stay far from the temple construction site, ensuring they did not interfere with the work of rebuilding God’s house. This practical instruction highlights how God orchestrates even political decrees and geographical boundaries to protect His purposes.
While this specific usage refers to miles and borders, it reminds us that God is never distant from His people. Even when circumstances feel remote or when authorities seem far away, He remains intimately involved in the details of our lives. We can trust that He guides both the near and the far, ensuring that His plans are fulfilled regardless of human distance or delay.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- far1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַחִיקִ֥ין1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:6
Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there.
The word specifies the required physical separation between the Persian governors and the temple workers to prevent interference with the rebuilding project.