רֶ֫קַח (re.qach)
re.qach
spice
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun reqaḥ denotes a fragrant spice or aromatic substance. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Song of Solomon 8:2, where it is part of a list of precious items used to describe the richness of love and intimacy.
In this context, the word contributes to the sensory imagery of perfumes and spices that characterize the poem’s celebration of desire. The term itself does not specify a particular plant but refers broadly to the category of scented goods valued in the ancient Near East for their pleasant odor and costliness.
Its single occurrence highlights how fragrance serves as a metaphor for the sweetness and allure of human relationships within the biblical text, grounding abstract emotions in tangible, everyday experiences of scent and taste.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reqach appears just once in Scripture, nestled within the rich sensory landscape of Song of Solomon. It refers to a precious spice, evoking the warmth and intimacy of shared moments between lovers. This single usage reminds us that God created beauty and pleasure as part of human experience, not as distractions from faith.
When we encounter such imagery, it invites us to appreciate the goodness of relationships grounded in mutual respect and care. The fragrance of spices symbolizes the sweetness found in deep connection, offering a glimpse into how love can be both tender and joyful. In our own lives, we might find comfort in knowing that even small acts of kindness carry this same aromatic quality—leaving a lasting impression on those around us.
May you feel encouraged to nurture connections that reflect God’s design for love: pure, respectful, and full of grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ spice1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/רֶ֔קַח1×
Key Verses
-
Song of Solomon 8:2
I would lead you, bringing you into the house of my mother, who would instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate.
The mention of reqach here highlights the richness of intimacy by associating it with fragrant spices, underscoring how love is portrayed as something precious and delightful.