רִקְמָה (riq.mah)
riq.mah
embroidery
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun riqmah refers to fabric characterized by intricate, multicolored patterns, specifically embroidery or tapestry work. It describes a textile that is not plain but decorated with varied hues arranged in deliberate designs. This term highlights the skill involved in creating such material, where threads are woven or stitched together to form a visually complex surface.
Its usage in Scripture is quite limited, appearing in only two verses within the Hebrew Bible: Judges 5:30 and 1 Chronicles 15:27. In these contexts, it likely refers to the ornate garments worn by warriors returning from battle or the richly decorated robes of Levitical musicians. The word emphasizes the aesthetic quality of the cloth, suggesting wealth, status, and artistic craftsmanship rather than simple utility.
The root of riqmah relates to the act of dividing or separating, which in this context points to the separation of colored threads to create distinct patterns. This etymology underscores the precision required in embroidery, where individual strands are managed to produce a unified image. The term serves as a reminder of the value placed on detailed artistry and beauty in ancient Israelite culture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word riqmah describes fabric marked by intricate, multicolored patterns, specifically embroidery or tapestry work. It refers to textiles that are not plain but decorated with varied hues arranged in deliberate designs. This term highlights the skill involved in creating such material, where threads are woven or stitched together to form a visually complex surface.
In Scripture, this word appears in Judges 5:30 and 1 Chronicles 15:27. In these contexts, it likely refers to ornate garments worn by warriors returning from battle or the richly decorated robes of Levitical musicians. The term emphasizes the aesthetic quality of the cloth, suggesting wealth, status, and artistic craftsmanship rather than simple utility.
The root of riqmah relates to the act of dividing or separating, which points to the separation of colored threads to create distinct patterns. This etymology underscores the precision required in embroidery, where individual strands are managed to produce a unified image. The word serves as a reminder of the value placed on detailed artistry and beauty in ancient Israelite culture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- embroidered material<s>1×
- embroidered material1×
- and/ variegated color1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רִקְמָתַ֖יִם1×
- רִקְמָ֑ה1×
- וְ/רִקְמָ֗ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:30
‘Have they not found, have they not divided the plunder? A lady, two ladies to every man; to Sisera a plunder of dyed garments, a plunder of dyed garments embroidered, of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the plunder?’
This verse uses riqmah to describe dyed garments embroidered on both sides, highlighting the spoils of war and the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating such luxurious items.