רַק (raq)
raq
except
H:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 102 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Prep
Word Overview
The Hebrew word raq functions primarily as a restrictive adverb meaning "only" or "except." Its core sense involves limitation, narrowing a statement to exclude everything else. In narratives like Genesis 47:22, it specifies that while Joseph bought all the land for Pharaoh, he kept only the priests' property. This usage highlights exclusivity, marking what remains after other things are removed.
Lexical sources trace its origin to a noun meaning "leanness" or thinness, suggesting a figurative shift from physical scarcity to conceptual restriction. When paired with a negative, as in 1 Kings 8:9, it translates to "except," noting that the Ark contained nothing but the two stone tablets. This etymological root reinforces the idea of stripping away the non-essential to reveal what is truly present.
Translators often render raq with various English terms such as "only," "save," or "nevertheless," depending on context. It frequently appears in Deuteronomy and Kings to emphasize specific conditions or exceptions. The word carries theological weight by defining boundaries, ensuring that the reader understands precisely what is included and what is excluded from a divine promise or historical record.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word raq functions as a precise filter for truth. It means "only" or "except," narrowing a broad statement to highlight what truly matters by excluding everything else. When the Bible uses this term, it is not merely listing items; it is defining boundaries. This clarity helps us understand God's promises and commands without confusion.
In Genesis 47:22, we see this word in action. Joseph bought all the land for Pharaoh, but raq specifies that he did not buy the priests' property. They kept their portion because Pharaoh provided for them. This distinction shows how God’s provision is specific and reliable. Even in complex historical records, these small words protect the integrity of the narrative.
For your faith, this word invites you to focus. Life often feels like a cluttered room full of demands. Raq helps you identify what remains when distractions are removed. It reminds us that God’s care is not vague; it is exact. You can trust that He knows exactly what is included in His plan for your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 102 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- only95×
- certainly6×
- and/ only2×
- ¿/ only1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַק\־14×
- רַ֥ק13×
- רַ֚ק13×
- רַ֣ק12×
- רַ֠ק8×
- רַ֗ק8×
- רַ֛ק5×
- רַ֖ק5×
- רַ֕ק5×
- רַ֣ק\׀4×
- רַק֩3×
- רַ֧ק3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 47:22
Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land.
This verse uses the word to carve out a specific exception, showing that while Joseph acquired most land, the priests' holdings were preserved due to divine provision.
-
Genesis 6:5
Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart was continually only evil.
Here the term intensifies the description of human wickedness, emphasizing that every thought was exclusively evil, leaving no room for good in that moment.
-
Genesis 41:40
You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.”
Joseph explains his authority structure to Pharaoh, using this word to clarify that while he rules the household, the throne itself remains with Pharaoh.
-
Deuteronomy 2:37
Only to the land of the children of Ammon you didn’t come near: all the banks of the river Jabbok, and the cities of the hill country, and wherever Yahweh our God forbade us.
This occurrence marks a clear boundary in Israel's journey, specifying exactly which lands they were forbidden to enter by divine command.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word raq mean?
How is raq different from other words for 'only'?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Does this word imply scarcity?
Every Occurrence (102 verses across 15 books)
Genesis 10 verses
Yahweh saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart…
Genesis 14:24I will accept nothing from you except that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me:…
Genesis 19:8See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to…
Genesis 20:11Abraham said, “Because I thought, ‘Surely the fear of God is not in this place. They will kill me for my wife’s sake.’
Genesis 24:8If the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath to me. Only you shall not bring my son…
Genesis 26:29that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you…
Genesis 41:40You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater…
Genesis 47:22Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which…
Genesis 47:26Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of…
Genesis 50:8all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds,…