רַקּוּחַ (raq.qu.ach)
raq.qu.ach
perfumery
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun raqqûaḥ refers to prepared perfumes or ointments, specifically those used in ritual or royal contexts. It denotes the finished product rather than the raw ingredients, pointing to substances that have been processed and blended for use.
Its sole biblical appearance is in Isaiah 57:9, where it describes what the exiled Israelites sent as gifts to foreign powers. The text notes they sent ambassadors "far off" with these aromatic offerings, highlighting how deeply ingrained such luxury items were in diplomatic customs of the ancient Near East.
Unlike words for simple oils or unguents used for healing or basic grooming, raqqûaḥ carries a sense of refined artistry. It reflects a culture where scent was not merely personal hygiene but a significant medium of honor, tribute, and political negotiation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word raqquach refers to prepared perfumes or ointments, specifically those used in ritual or royal contexts. It denotes the finished product rather than the raw ingredients, pointing to substances that have been processed and blended for use. Its sole biblical appearance is in Isaiah 57:9, where it describes what the exiled Israelites sent as gifts to foreign powers.
The text notes they sent ambassadors "far off" with these aromatic offerings, highlighting how deeply ingrained such luxury items were in diplomatic customs of the ancient Near East. Unlike words for simple oils or unguents used for healing or basic grooming, raqquach carries a sense of refined artistry.
This reflects a culture where scent was not merely personal hygiene but a significant medium of honor, tribute, and political negotiation. In Isaiah 57:9, the use of these costly items reveals a heart turned away from God toward worldly alliances. The passage serves as a sobering reminder that our deepest loyalties are revealed by what we value and offer to others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- perfumes/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִקֻּחָ֑יִ/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 57:9
You went to the king with oil, increased your perfumes, sent your ambassadors far off, and degraded yourself even to Sheol.
This verse uniquely uses the term to illustrate the Israelites' desperate attempt to secure favor from foreign powers through lavish gifts, highlighting their spiritual unfaithfulness.