רֶ֫כֶס (re.khes)
re.khes
roughness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun rekes appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 40:4. Its precise meaning is debated among scholars, but it generally describes a condition of roughness or being bound up. In this context, it likely refers to the uneven, difficult terrain that characterizes a mountainous landscape.
Translators often render it as "rough place" or "mountain chain," capturing the physical obstacle that stands in the way of travel. The word evokes an image of ground that is impeded or impassable due to its rugged nature. This fits the prophetic vision where such obstacles are removed to prepare a path for the Lord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rekes describes a landscape that is jagged, uneven, and difficult to traverse. It evokes the image of rocky terrain that slows progress and challenges those who attempt to cross it. In Isaiah 40:4, this roughness represents the physical obstacles that stand in the way of a clear path.
For your faith, this imagery offers a profound promise. The text assures us that these difficult places are not permanent barriers. God promises to smooth out the uneven ground, turning obstacles into a level plain. This suggests that the struggles you face are seen and addressed by Him.
You can find comfort in knowing that preparation for His way involves removing what hinders your journey. The roughness of life does not define your destination. Instead, it becomes part of a larger story where difficulty is transformed into clarity and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ rough places1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הָ/רְכָסִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain.
This verse uses rekes to describe the rugged terrain that God will level, symbolizing the removal of obstacles to prepare a way for the Lord.