רֵיקָם (re.qam)
re.qam
emptily
H:AdvQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Adv
Word Overview
The Hebrew adverb reiqam describes an action performed in vain or emptily, resulting in no tangible outcome. It appears fifteen times in the Old Testament, often highlighting efforts that fail to achieve their intended purpose. The word conveys a sense of futility, where labor or speech yields nothing of substance.
In Exodus, it characterizes the Israelites’ complaints as empty noise against Moses and Aaron (Exodus 16:2; 17:2), suggesting their grievances lacked valid foundation. Conversely, in Ruth 3:10, Boaz praises Ruth for not pursuing young men, whether rich or poor, implying her loyalty was not an empty gesture but one with genuine moral weight. Jeremiah uses the term to describe prophets who speak visions that are themselves void and deceptive (Jeremiah 23:16), emphasizing the hollowness of their message.
The root relates to emptiness or vanity, reinforcing the idea that reiqam actions leave a spiritual or practical vacuum. Translators typically render it as "in vain" or "emptily," capturing the disconnect between effort and result. This usage warns against activities that consume energy without producing lasting value or truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reiqam reminds us that not every effort bears fruit, and that is okay. In Scripture, it often describes actions or complaints that lack substance, leaving a void rather than resolution. When we find ourselves acting in vain, it invites reflection on where our trust truly lies. Perhaps the energy spent on worry or futile striving could be redirected toward what endures.
Yet this concept also highlights God’s faithfulness. While human efforts may feel empty, His promises do not return void. Isaiah 55:11 assures us that God’s word accomplishes its purpose. This offers comfort when our own plans seem to falter. We are invited to rest in the certainty that what matters most is secured by Him, not by our striving.
In daily life, this awareness can free us from the pressure to produce constant results. It encourages a posture of humility and reliance on divine guidance. When things feel unproductive, we can seek wisdom rather than frustration, trusting that God sees the labor of our hands even when outcomes are unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- empty9×
- in vain2×
- emptily2×
- with empty hands1×
- and/ empty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵיקָֽם\׃8×
- רֵיקָ֔ם2×
- רֵיקָ֑ם2×
- רֵיקָ֣ם1×
- רֵיקָ֖ם1×
- וְ/רֵיקָ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 55:11
so is my word that goes out of my mouth: it will not return to me void, but it will accomplish that which I please, and it will prosper in the thing I sent it to do.
This verse contrasts human emptiness with God’s effective word, showing that divine speech always achieves its intended purpose.
-
Ruth 3:17
She said, “He gave me these six measures of barley; for he said, ‘Don’t go empty to your mother-in-law.’”
Boaz’s instruction to Naomi ensures she is not left empty-handed, illustrating how faithful action provides tangible care.
-
Ruth 1:21
I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since Yahweh has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”
Naomi’s declaration of being brought home empty captures the deep sense of loss and perceived divine absence in her experience.