רֶ֫קֶם (re.qem)
re.qem
Rekem
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Rekem means "variegated" or "patterned," referring to something decorated with distinct designs or colors. In the Old Testament, this title appears in three distinct contexts, linking individuals across different tribes and eras through a shared linguistic root.
Most notably, it identifies one of the five Midianite kings slain by Israel in Numbers 31:8. The name likely reflects the ornate or multi-colored nature of his royal attire or status. Later genealogies in Chronicles apply the same name to men from Judah and Manasseh, such as the son of Hebron (1 Chronicles 2:43) and a descendant of Machir (1 Chronicles 7:16), suggesting it was a recognizable personal name rather than just a descriptive epithet.
While the word itself describes visual complexity, its biblical usage is strictly onomastic. It does not appear as a common noun in narrative or poetic texts to describe fabric or art; instead, it serves only as a proper name for specific historical figures during the wilderness wanderings and the period of the divided monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rekem appears in Scripture as a marker of distinct identity, rooted in the Hebrew word for "variegated" or "patterned." While it describes visual complexity, the Bible uses it strictly as a proper name for specific individuals. This linguistic root reminds us that God sees the intricate details of every life, weaving together diverse threads into a coherent whole.
In Numbers 31:8, Rekem is listed among the five kings of Midian defeated by Israel. This historical record highlights the reality of spiritual conflict and the decisive nature of God’s justice in protecting His people. The name serves as a reminder that God intervenes in history to establish peace and safety for those who trust in Him.
Later, the name appears in genealogies in Chronicles, identifying men from the tribes of Judah and Manasseh. These records show how individual lives contribute to the larger story of Israel’s lineage. Just as a pattern is formed by many distinct parts, our lives are part of God’s broader plan, valued for who we are in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Rekem4×
- Rekem2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֶ֙קֶם֙2×
- וְ/רֶ֥קֶם2×
- וָ/רָֽקֶם\׃1×
- וְ/רֶ֖קֶם1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 31:8
They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword.
This verse identifies Rekem as one of the five Midianite kings slain by Israel, highlighting the name's association with a significant historical judgment.
-
Joshua 13:21
all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.
The text lists Rekem among the princes of Sihon who lived in the land, connecting the name to the broader conquest narrative.
-
I Chronicles 2:43
The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.
Here Rekem is listed as a son of Hebron from the tribe of Judah, showing the name's use in post-exilic genealogical records.