רֶ֫כֶב (re.khev)
re.khev
chariot
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 94 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun rekeb primarily denotes a chariot, but its meaning extends to the team of horses yoked to it or the soldiers riding within. In the Old Testament, this word frequently appears in accounts of military power, such as when Pharaoh’s forces pursue Israel through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:9) or when King Solomon amasses thousands of them for his kingdom (1 Kings 10:26). It often functions collectively to describe an entire army’s mounted strength rather than a single vehicle.
A less obvious usage applies rekeb to the upper millstone, likely drawing on the image of one stone riding or grinding upon another. This metaphorical leap appears in laws protecting basic necessities, such as the prohibition against taking a neighbor’s millstone as collateral (Deuteronomy 24:6). The word also occasionally refers to riders or cavalry units themselves, shifting focus from the machine to the people and animals operating it.
This dual usage highlights how ancient Hebrew vocabulary often connected everyday tools with military might. Whether describing the terrifying advance of Egyptian chariots or the humble grinding of grain for bread, rekeb captures both the technological advantage of warfare and the essential rhythms of daily sustenance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rekeb captures more than just a vehicle; it represents the full weight of military might, from the horses to the soldiers within. In ancient times, chariots were the tanks of their day, symbols of overwhelming power and technological advantage. When Scripture mentions them, it often highlights a contrast between human strength and divine sovereignty.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort in moments of fear. The biblical narrative repeatedly shows that no amount of iron-clad defense or superior numbers can stand against God’s purpose. Whether facing the pursuit at the Red Sea or the fortified cities of Canaan, the message remains consistent: human power is limited, but God’s protection is absolute.
This perspective invites you to trust in a strength far greater than any earthly resource. When challenges feel insurmountable, remember that the same God who parted waters and confused armies is present with you. You do not need to rely on your own capacity to overcome obstacles; His presence is sufficient for every battle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 94 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ chariotry18×
- chariot[s]12×
- chariotry9×
- chariotry/ his6×
- <the>/ chariotry5×
- and/ chariotry4×
- [the] chariotry of4×
- in/ chariot/ his3×
- chariot/ his3×
- with/ chariotry2×
- the/ chariot2×
- in <the>/ chariot[s]2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/רֶ֔כֶב11×
- רֶ֣כֶב10×
- רֶ֔כֶב6×
- רִכְבּ֖/וֹ5×
- רֶ֖כֶב4×
- רֶֽכֶב\־3×
- רֶ֥כֶב3×
- רֶ֙כֶב֙3×
- רֶ֗כֶב3×
- וָ/רָ֑כֶב3×
- הָ/רֶ֜כֶב3×
- רָֽכֶב\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:28
The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh’s army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them.
This verse marks the complete destruction of Pharaoh’s military power, demonstrating that human strength yields to divine intervention.
-
Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses, chariots, and a people more numerous than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
Here the word serves as a reminder that God’s presence removes fear even when facing superior enemy forces.
-
Judges 4:15
Yahweh confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled away on his feet.
The confusion of Sisera’s chariots illustrates how God can dismantle organized opposition without human effort.
-
Joshua 17:18
but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
This command to drive out enemies with iron chariots shows that faith requires action despite seemingly impossible odds.