רָחַץ (ra.chats)
ra.chats
to wash: wash
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 66 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rachats means to wash, whether cleaning a part of the body or bathing entirely. It appears frequently in the Torah for ritual cleansing, such as washing sacrifices before they are offered (Leviticus 1:9) or purifying priests during their consecration (Exodus 29:4). The word also describes everyday hygiene, like Abraham offering water for travelers to wash their feet (Genesis 18:4).
Its meaning extends beyond physical dirt to symbolize moral purity. In Psalm 73:13, the psalmist asks if he has washed his hands in innocence despite suffering, using the act of washing as a metaphor for maintaining integrity before God. This figurative use connects physical cleanliness with spiritual trustworthiness.
Rachats is distinct from other Hebrew words for cleaning clothes or removing stains. It focuses specifically on the human body or sacred objects. The text often pairs it with water, emphasizing that true cleansing requires both action and the means to perform it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rachats describes the simple, physical act of washing with water. In the Old Testament, this appears in daily life, such as Abraham offering water for travelers to wash their dusty feet after a long journey. It also marks sacred moments, like priests washing before serving at the altar. These acts show that cleanliness was both a practical need and a sign of respect.
For your faith today, this word reminds us that God cares about our whole lives, including our physical needs. When we feel weary or burdened, we can bring those real, tangible struggles to Him. Just as water cleanses the body, prayer brings peace to the soul. We do not need to hide our messiness; instead, we can come openly, trusting that God meets us where we are.
There is comfort in knowing that God invites us into relationship without requiring us to be perfect first. He offers cleansing and rest. Whether you are seeking relief from daily stress or looking for spiritual renewal, this image of washing points to a God who provides refreshment and restores our sense of worth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 66 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he will wash21×
- and/ you will wash5×
- to/ wash4×
- he will wash3×
- and/ wash3×
- and/ they will wash3×
- and/ they washed3×
- and/ he washed3×
- wash2×
- they will wash2×
- for/ washing2×
- will I wash1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/רָחַ֥ץ16×
- וַ/יִּרְחַ֥ץ3×
- רָחַ֣ץ2×
- לִ/רְחֹ֣ץ2×
- יִרְחַ֣ץ2×
- וְ/רָחַצְתָּ֥2×
- וְ/רָחַצְתָּ֤2×
- וְ/רָחַ֧ץ2×
- וְ/רָחַ֤ץ2×
- וְ/רָחֲצ֣וּ2×
- וְ/רָחֲצ֛וּ2×
- רֻחָֽץ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 18:4
Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
This verse shows rachats used in hospitality, where washing feet provided physical relief from dust and travel fatigue.
-
Exodus 29:4
You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water.
Here the word describes the consecration of priests, linking physical washing with being set apart for holy service.
-
Leviticus 1:9
but he shall wash its innards and its legs with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Yahweh.
The preparation of sacrifices involved washing parts of the animal, emphasizing purity in approaching God through ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rachats mean in the Bible?
How is rachats different from other words for cleaning?
Why is washing important in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (66 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
Genesis 19:2and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can…
Genesis 24:32The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his…
Genesis 43:24The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys…
Genesis 43:31He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.”