רַךְ (rakh)
rakh
tender
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word rakh describes something tender, soft, or delicate. It most frequently appears in Proverbs to contrast a gentle approach with harshness, suggesting that kindness is often more effective than force. For instance, Proverbs 15:1 notes that "a soft answer turns away wrath," highlighting how gentle speech can de-escalate conflict.
Its meaning extends beyond physical texture to include emotional states and social dynamics. The sources indicate it can describe weak or timid hearts, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:54-56, where extreme distress makes people’s eyes "tender" and their hands weak. This usage underscores vulnerability rather than just softness.
Translators often render rakh as "gentle," "soft," or "tender" depending on context. In Proverbs, it carries a strategic weight: gentleness is portrayed not as weakness but as wisdom. The word reminds readers that delicate things require careful handling, whether referring to flesh, words, or the human heart.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rakh describes what is tender, soft, or delicate. In daily life, this often points to fragility. A young child, a new plant, or a weary heart can all be called tender. The Bible uses this image to show that gentleness requires care. Just as we handle fragile items with attention, we are invited to treat people and situations with similar sensitivity.
This concept appears most clearly in Proverbs 15:1. Here, a soft answer is shown to turn away wrath. This does not mean being passive or weak. Instead, it suggests that kindness is a strategic choice. Harsh words often escalate conflict, while gentle speech can de-escalate tension. This wisdom applies to family disputes, workplace tensions, and personal struggles.
Recognizing tenderness also means acknowledging vulnerability. In Deuteronomy 28:54-56, the word describes a state of extreme distress where even basic needs become overwhelming. This reminds us that some people are fighting battles we cannot see. When we encounter fragility in others, or feel it within ourselves, we can respond with patience rather than judgment. This approach honors the dignity of those who are hurting.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tender3×
- soft2×
- and/ weak2×
- the/ gentle [woman]1×
- and/ weak of1×
- and/ [the] weak of1×
- [were] weak1×
- [are] weak1×
- [am] weak1×
- <the>/ gentle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַּ֭ךְ1×
- רַכָּ֖ה1×
- רַכִּ֔ים1×
- רַכּ֑וֹת1×
- רַךְ֙1×
- רַ֥ךְ1×
- רַ֤ךְ1×
- רַ֝כָּ֗ה1×
- וָ/רָךְ֒1×
- וָ/רָ֑ךְ1×
- וְ/רַךְ\־1×
- וְ/רַ֣ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse defines rakh as a strategic tool for peace, showing that gentle speech actively prevents anger from escalating.
-
Genesis 33:13
Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.
Jacob uses the word to describe his young children and livestock, highlighting practical vulnerability that requires careful handling.
-
Deuteronomy 28:56
The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye will be evil toward the husband that she loves, toward her son, toward her daughter,
Here rakh describes extreme physical and emotional distress, showing how hardship can make even the strongest people feel fragile.
-
II Samuel 3:39
I am weak today, though anointed king. These men, the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.”
David uses a related form to describe his own weakness against powerful rivals, illustrating human limitation in the face of opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word rakh mean?
How is rakh different from other words for weak?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is gentleness linked to strength in Proverbs?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 7 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.
Genesis 29:17Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
Genesis 33:13Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young,…