רַמָּךְ (ram.makh)
ram.makh
mare
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ramakh refers to a mare, a female horse. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in Esther 8:10. In this verse, it describes animals whose offspring were used for royal purposes, likely indicating high status or speed within the Persian court.
Lexicographers note that the exact meaning is somewhat uncertain, though the identification as a horse is widely accepted. The rarity of the word suggests it was not part of common daily speech but belonged to specialized administrative or military vocabulary. Its single occurrence highlights the specific details of royal decrees recorded in the book.
Translators consistently render ramakh as "mare" or "horses," focusing on the animal itself rather than metaphorical meaning. The text does not use the word for symbolic purposes here; it simply records the resources available to the king’s officials. This precise terminology underscores the historical detail of the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ramakh appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the administrative details of Esther 8:10. It refers to a mare, specifically those used for royal purposes in the Persian court. This single mention highlights how God works through historical records and official decrees to protect His people.
When we read about horses and mares in this context, we see the machinery of empire at work. Yet, behind the scenes, God is orchestrating events to save His people from destruction. The precision of these details reminds us that no part of history is too small for divine attention.
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty over all circumstances, whether they involve grand miracles or quiet administrative steps. We can rest assured that He cares about the specifics of our lives and uses every resource available to bring about His good purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ mares1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/רַמָּכִֽים\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 8:10
He wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bred from swift steeds.
This verse specifies that the royal couriers rode on horses bred from swift mares, emphasizing the speed and authority of the decree sent to save the Jews.