רָחַק (ra.chaq)
ra.chaq
to remove
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 42 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rachaq describes the state of being far away or distant, applying to both physical space and relational closeness. Its core sense involves widening a gap, whether between two people or between a person and God. In the Psalms, this word captures the ache of separation when believers feel God is not near, as in Psalm 22:11 where the psalmist cries out for divine presence. Conversely, it can describe the safe distance maintained from evil, such as turning away from fraud as instructed in Exodus 23:7.
The word carries significant theological weight in Isaiah and Job, where distance often symbolizes spiritual estrangement or judgment. In Isaiah 59:2, the prophet explains that sin creates a barrier that keeps God far off, highlighting how moral failure impacts relationship with the divine. The verb also appears in physical contexts, such as describing armies marching a great distance in Joshua 8:4, grounding its abstract meaning in tangible reality.
Translators typically render rachaq as "far," "distant," or "remove," depending on whether the context is spatial or relational. The variety of Hebrew verb stems allows for nuances where one party actively puts another far away or simply exists in a remote state. This flexibility lets the text express both the pain of isolation and the intentional separation from harmful influences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rachaq speaks to the reality of distance, whether measured in miles or in the quiet ache of feeling separated from God. In moments of loneliness, like the psalmist’s cry in Psalm 71:12, this term validates our need for divine presence when we feel far from help. It reminds us that our longing for closeness is heard, even when the gap feels wide.
Yet rachaq also offers a path toward peace through intentional separation. When Proverbs 5:8 urges us to remove our way far from harmful influences, it highlights that safety often requires creating space from what damages our spirit. This deliberate distance is not rejection but protection, allowing us to walk in wisdom rather than regret.
Ultimately, this word bridges our human experience of isolation with God’s faithful nearness. While we may feel distant due to sin or circumstance, the promise remains that forgiveness restores what was lost. We are invited to trust that no distance is too great for grace to bridge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 42 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they are distant4×
- it is far4×
- put far away3×
- it will be [too] far2×
- at a distance2×
- you will remove1×
- you will be distant1×
- you have extended1×
- you go far away1×
- you be far1×
- you be distant1×
- to/ be far1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָ֣חֲקָה2×
- הַרְחֵק֙2×
- תַּרְחִ֥יקוּ1×
- תַּרְחִ֥יק1×
- תִּרְחָ֑ק1×
- תִּרְחַ֥ק1×
- תִּרְחַ֣ק1×
- תִרְחָ֔ק1×
- רָחָֽקוּ\׃1×
- רָחַ֥ק1×
- רָחַ֤ק1×
- רָחֲקָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 71:12
God, don’t be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.
This verse captures the raw emotion of spiritual distance, showing how rachaq expresses a plea for God's immediate presence in times of trouble.
-
Proverbs 5:8
Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house,
Here the word defines practical wisdom, urging readers to create physical and moral space from situations that lead away from righteousness.
-
Exodus 23:7
“Keep far from a false charge, and don’t kill the innocent and righteous; for I will not justify the wicked.
The command to keep far from false charges uses rachaq to establish a boundary of integrity that protects the innocent.
-
Job 19:13
“He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.
Job uses this term to describe the painful isolation caused by suffering, where even close relationships become distant during crisis.