רְכוּשׁ (re.khush)
re.khush
property
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun rekhush refers to movable property, goods, or possessions that a person has acquired. It covers a broad range of personal wealth, including livestock, stored supplies, and household utensils. In Genesis, the term describes the extensive belongings Abram gathered as he traveled, highlighting the practical reality of his growing household (Genesis 13:6). It is not limited to land or real estate but focuses on assets that can be moved or counted.
The word derives from a root meaning "to acquire" or "to gain," which gives it a sense of wealth obtained through effort rather than inherited status alone. This nuance appears when the text distinguishes between what belongs to the king and what is his private property (2 Chronicles 31:3). Translators often render it as "substance" or "goods," capturing the idea of accumulated resources that define a person's economic standing in the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rekhush describes the tangible assets we accumulate through our daily lives—livestock, stored grain, household goods, and silver. It is not merely about land or inherited status, but rather the practical resources gathered by effort and providence. In Genesis, Abram’s growing rekhush highlights how God blesses faithful living with enough to sustain a household, yet also creates situations where separation becomes necessary for peace.
Understanding this term helps us view our own possessions not as ends in themselves, but as tools entrusted to us. Whether it is the wealth of Egypt that Israel carried out or the personal property King David managed, these resources are part of our earthly journey. They remind us that what we hold is temporary and meant for stewardship.
When we reflect on rekhush, we are invited to consider how our own goods serve others. The text often links wealth with responsibility—whether it is providing for family, supporting worship, or aiding those in need. This perspective shifts our focus from accumulation to allocation, trusting that true security lies beyond what we can count.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- possession[s]/ their4×
- the/ property3×
- possession[s]/ his2×
- and/ property2×
- with/ property1×
- with/ possession[s]1×
- with <the>/ property1×
- the/ possession[s]1×
- property/ your1×
- property/ our1×
- property/ his1×
- property1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְכוּשָׁ/ם֙3×
- רְכוּשָׁ֛/ם1×
- רְכוּשֶֽׁ/ךָ\׃1×
- רְכוּשֵֽׁ/נוּ\׃1×
- רְכוּשׁ֜/וֹ1×
- רְכוּשׁ֑/וֹ1×
- רְכוּשׁ\־1×
- רְכֻשׁ֛/וֹ1×
- רְכֻשׁ/וֹ֙1×
- רְכֻ֨שׁ1×
- רְכ֖וּשׁ1×
- מֵ/רְכ֥וּשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 13:6
The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.
This verse shows how abundant rekhush can create practical tensions, forcing a decision between conflict and separation for the sake of peace.
-
II Chronicles 31:3
He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings: for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in Yahweh’s law.
Here the word specifies the king's private assets set aside specifically for religious duties, distinguishing personal wealth from state resources.
-
Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a straight way for us, for our little ones, and for all our possessions.
The prophet Ezra links the community's spiritual humility directly to their physical safety and preservation of all their rekhush during a dangerous journey.
-
Genesis 14:21
The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
The king of Sodom offers Abram the goods, highlighting that rekhush can be claimed by others unless one chooses to rely on God's provision instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word rekhush mean?
How is rekhush different from other words for wealth?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 10 verses
Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother’s son, all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom…
Genesis 13:6The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they…
Genesis 14:11They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.
Genesis 14:12They took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who lived in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Genesis 14:16He brought back all the goods, and also brought back his relative Lot and his goods, and the women also, and the other…
Genesis 14:21The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people, and take the goods for yourself.”
Genesis 15:14I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward they will come out with great wealth;
Genesis 31:18and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had…
Genesis 36:7For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because…
Genesis 46:6They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt—Jacob, and…