רַקַּת (raq.qat)
raq.qat
Rakkath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Rakkath is a proper noun referring to a fortified city located in the territory of Naphtali, mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible at Joshua 19:35. The name itself translates to "shore," likely describing its geographical position near the water. This identification connects it directly with the later, well-known city of Tiberias, which sits on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Although the text provides no narrative details about events at Rakkath, its single appearance in the tribal allotment lists serves a specific historical function: marking the boundaries of inheritance. The equivalence with Tiberias highlights how ancient place names often persisted through centuries of settlement and renaming, preserving a link between the early conquest period and the Roman era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Rakkath appears in the Bible as a specific location within the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali. Its name suggests a position near water, linking it geographically to what would later become Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. This single mention in Joshua highlights how God’s promises were fulfilled through concrete, physical boundaries. The land was not given as an abstract idea but as real places where families could live and thrive.
For your faith today, this detail reminds us that God cares about the specifics of our lives. He knows the ground we walk on and the communities we inhabit. Just as Rakkath marked a portion of inheritance for Naphtali, God provides specific provisions and boundaries in our own seasons. These limits are not restrictions but safeguards that help us find our place within His larger plan.
When you feel uncertain about your direction, remember that God’s guidance is often found in the ordinary details of daily life. The history of these ancient towns shows how He remains faithful across generations. You can trust that He is present in your current circumstances, offering stability and hope just as He did for those who settled there long ago.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rakkath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רַקַּ֥ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:35
The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,
This verse lists Rakkath among the fortified cities of Naphtali, showing its role in defining the tribe's inheritance.