7370. rachash

Lexical Summary

rachash: To move, to stir, to boil, to utter

Original Word: רָחַשׁ
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: rachash
Pronunciation: rah-khash'
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-khash')
KJV: indite
NASB: overflows
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to gush

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

to gush

A primitive root; to gush -- indite.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to keep moving, stir
NASB Translation
overflows (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

רָחַשׁ verb keep moving, stir (Late Hebrew stir, move, especially of lips in speech, also, in explanation of מרחשׁת, of stewing, boiling; Aramaic רְחֵישׁ, , , creep, move, flutter, reptile); —

Qal Perfect3masculine singular לִבִּי דָּבָר טוֺב ׳ר Psalm 45:2 is astir.

Topical Lexicon

Meaning and Imagery

רָחַשׁ conveys the inner movement of the heart that wells up and overflows into spoken praise. The single canonical use pictures an irrepressible surge, like a spring that cannot be held back, moving the psalmist from inward devotion to articulate proclamation.

Biblical Occurrence

Psalm 45:1 is the sole occurrence: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer”. The verb “is stirred” translates רָחַשׁ, illustrating a spontaneous, Spirit-impelled eruption of praise.

Context in Psalm 45

1. Superscription: A “love song” written by the sons of Korah, meant for congregational worship.
2. Addressee: A royal figure whose glory transcends that of ordinary kings, foreshadowing the Messiah (compare Hebrews 1:8-9).
3. Flow of thought: The psalmist’s heart bubbles over, producing a carefully crafted yet Spirit-borne ode that exalts the King’s splendor, righteousness, and eternal throne.

Christological Significance

New Testament writers apply Psalm 45 to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:8-9). רָחַשׁ therefore ties directly to messianic praise, portraying the inner work of the Spirit who prompts worshipers to extol the Son’s divine kingship, perfect justice, and everlasting dominion.

Worship and Devotional Application

• Authentic praise begins with an inner stirring rather than mere ritual performance.
• The verb implies sustained movement; believers cultivate hearts ready to overflow continually, not sporadically, with adoration.
• Psalm 45 models how poetic beauty and theological depth unite when the heart is stirred by truth.

Historical and Literary Notes

• Ancient Near Eastern court songs celebrated royal weddings and military victories; Psalm 45 adapts that genre but elevates it by addressing the ideal, eternal King.
• The singular use of רָחַשׁ heightens its impact—this once-uttered word captures the unique moment when inspired worship became Scripture.

Theological Reflections

• Revelation precedes response: knowledge of the King’s majesty ignites the heart.
• Inspiration and composition work together; divine stirring does not bypass human artistry (“my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer”).
• The psalm’s immediate historical setting (a Judean royal celebration) and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ demonstrate Scripture’s organic unity.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Preachers and songwriters seek the same inner stirring so that proclamation springs from genuine encounter, not mere duty.
• Congregational worship planning should prioritize texts and songs that direct hearts toward the King’s beauty, trusting the Spirit to create the overflow.
• Personal devotion: meditating on Christ’s attributes invites the Spirit to “stir” the heart, turning silent reflection into spoken or sung praise, following the pattern of רָחַשׁ.

Forms and Transliterations

רָ֘חַ֤שׁ רחש rā·ḥaš raChash rāḥaš

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 45:1
HEB: שִׁ֣יר יְדִידֹֽת׃ רָ֘חַ֤שׁ לִבִּ֨י ׀ דָּ֘בָ֤ר
NAS: For the choir director; according to the Shoshannim. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love. My heart overflows with a good
KJV: My heart is inditing a good matter:
INT: A Song of loves overflows my heart theme

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 7370
1 Occurrence

rā·ḥaš — 1 Occ.