Lexical Summary reqach: Spice, ointment, perfume Original Word: רֶקַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spiced From raqach; properly, perfumery, i.e. (by implication) spicery (for flavor) -- spiced. see HEBREW raqach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom raqach Definition spice NASB Translation spiced (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs רֶ֫קַח noun [masculine] spice; — ׳יַיִן הָר Songs 8:2 wine, (that is) spice (i.e. spiced wine). Topical Lexicon Scriptural Occurrence and Immediate Context The noun רֶקַח appears only once in the Old Testament, in the intimate dialogue of Song of Solomon 8:2. Here the Shulammite declares, “I would lead you and bring you to my mother’s house—she who has taught me. I would give you spiced wine to drink, the nectar of my pomegranates” (Song of Solomon 8:2). By offering her beloved a cup of aromatically seasoned wine, she expresses a desire for deeply personal fellowship within the secure setting of familial covenant. Cultural and Historical Background Spiced wine was a prized luxury throughout the Ancient Near East. Wines were often sweetened with honey and infused with aromatic botanicals such as myrrh, cinnamon, saffron, or calamus, creating a beverage reserved for special guests or festive banquets (compare Esther 5:6; Proverbs 9:2). Its preparation required both scarcity of ingredients and careful craftsmanship, signaling honor and affection toward the recipient. Literary and Theological Significance in Song of Solomon Song of Solomon employs everyday objects—gardens, perfumes, wine—to portray covenant love in heightened poetic language. The spiced wine of 8:2 serves several functions: Symbolic Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture Although רֶקַח itself is unique to Song of Solomon, Scripture repeatedly links mixed wine with abundance, celebration, and wisdom: These parallels reinforce the picture of cultivated joy that God graciously supplies and sanctifies. Christological and Redemptive Connections The bride’s pledge to pour out spiced wine anticipates the greater covenant cup introduced by Jesus Christ. At Cana, ordinary water becomes exceptional wine at His word (John 2:1-11), signaling messianic abundance. At the Last Supper, wine becomes the emblem of His shed blood (Matthew 26:27-28). Both events fulfill the promise of a richer, fuller communion hinted at in the Song’s fragrant cup. Practical Ministry Reflections 1. Worship: The image of spiced wine encourages believers to approach corporate worship not as a bare duty but as a fragrant offering enhanced by heartfelt devotion (Colossians 3:16). Summary רֶקַח, though occurring only once, conveys layers of meaning—lavish hospitality, covenant intimacy, and anticipatory joy—all culminating in the finished work of Christ and the believer’s ongoing fellowship with Him. Forms and Transliterations הָרֶ֔קַח הרקח hā·re·qaḥ haRekach hāreqaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 8:2 HEB: אַשְׁקְךָ֙ מִיַּ֣יִן הָרֶ֔קַח מֵעֲסִ֖יס רִמֹּנִֽי׃ NAS: me; I would give you spiced wine KJV: me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine INT: give wine spiced the juice of my pomegranates 1 Occurrence |
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