רָקֵב (ra.qav)

The Hebrew verb râqêv means to rot or decay. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times in poetic and prophetic literature where it describes the physical breakdown of organic matter. In Proverbs 12:4, it is used metaphorically to describe a wife of noble character as a crown to her husband, while the opposite—a disgraceful woman—is likened to something that rots in his bones. This striking image suggests that moral corruption can be as destructive and internal as physical decay.

In Isaiah 50:9, the word describes garments eaten by moths, highlighting the fragility of earthly possessions and human power against time. The sources note that râqêv is not merely about aging but implies a process of disintegration that renders something useless or worthless. Its rarity in Scripture underscores its specific function: to illustrate the inevitable decline of what lacks enduring value.

Translators typically render râqêv as "rot" or "decay," capturing the sense of something falling apart from within. The word’s limited usage allows it to carry significant weight in its few contexts, serving as a vivid reminder of the contrast between temporary, decaying things and lasting spiritual realities.