רְתֻקָה (re.tu.qah)
re.tu.qah
chain
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun reṯûqâ refers to a chain, specifically one used for binding or restraining someone. Its occurrence in the Bible is extremely rare, appearing only once in the entire Old Testament, which highlights its specific function as a symbol of captivity or forced servitude.
This single instance is found in Isaiah 40:19, where the prophet describes the process of making an idol. The text notes that a craftsman cannot use a reṯûqâ to bind the idol itself; rather, the chain is part of the imagery illustrating the absurdity of worshipping an object made by human hands. The word underscores the contrast between the powerless, bound nature of idols and the sovereign freedom of God.
Because it appears only in this context, the word serves as a concrete detail in Isaiah’s argument against idolatry. It reminds readers that while humans can be bound by chains, the Creator is not limited or restrained by any physical means. The rarity of the term emphasizes the uniqueness of this particular prophetic critique.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word reṯûqâ appears only once in Scripture, found in Isaiah 40:19. It describes a chain made of gold or silver that an idolater might craft for a statue. This image serves as a sharp contrast between the powerless nature of idols and the sovereign freedom of God. While humans can be bound by physical chains, the Creator is not limited or restrained by any material means.
This rare term reminds us that true worship does not involve binding God to an object. Instead, it invites us to trust in a God who is free and active. When we face situations where we feel trapped or restricted, this passage offers hope. It points to a divine power that cannot be contained by human hands or materials.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ chains of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/רְתֻק֥וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 40:19
A workman has cast an image, and the goldsmith overlays it with gold, and casts silver chains for it.
The word appears here to describe the futile attempt to adorn an idol with chains, highlighting the absurdity of worshipping a bound object.