7546. raqqach

Lexicon

raqqach: Perfumer, compounder, mixer

Original Word: רַקָּח
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: raqqach
Pronunciation: rak-kakh'
Phonetic Spelling: (rak-kawkh')
Definition: Perfumer, compounder, mixer
Meaning: a male perfumer

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

apothecary

From raqach; a male perfumer -- apothecary.

see HEBREW raqach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from raqach
Definition
ointment maker, perfumer
NASB Translation
perfumers (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

[רַקָּח] noun masculine ointment-maker, perfumer; — only in phrase בֶּןהָֿרַקָּחִים Nehemiah 3:8, i.e. one of the perfumers, i.e. of that guild.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root רָקַח (raqach), which means "to mix" or "to compound."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Greek Number 218: ἄρωμα (aroma) • Refers to spices or aromatic substances.
• Strong's Greek Number 3464: μύρον (myron) • Refers to ointment or perfume, often used in anointing.

The role of the רַקָּח (raqqach) in biblical times was both a practical and spiritual vocation, reflecting the deep connection between sensory experience and worship in the ancient world.

Usage: The term רַקָּח is used in the context of those who are skilled in the art of mixing and preparing aromatic substances, particularly for sacred or ceremonial purposes.

Context: The Hebrew term רַקָּח (raqqach) refers to a male perfumer, an artisan skilled in the preparation and compounding of perfumes, ointments, and spices. This role was significant in ancient Israelite society, especially in the context of religious rituals and ceremonies. The perfumer was responsible for creating the sacred anointing oil and incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The art of perfumery was highly regarded, requiring knowledge of various aromatic substances and the skill to blend them according to specific recipes.

In the Bible, the role of the perfumer is highlighted in passages that describe the preparation of holy anointing oil and incense. For instance, in Exodus 30:25, the perfumer is instructed to make a "sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer." This underscores the importance of precision and expertise in the preparation of these sacred compounds.

The perfumer's work was not only a craft but also a service to the divine, as the fragrances created were integral to worship and the consecration of sacred spaces and objects. The meticulous process of compounding these substances was seen as an act of devotion and reverence.

Forms and Transliterations

הָרַקָּחִ֑ים הרקחים hā·raq·qā·ḥîm harakkaChim hāraqqāḥîm

Englishman's Concordance

Nehemiah 3:8
HEB: חֲנַנְיָ֖ה בֶּן־ הָרַקָּחִ֑ים וַיַּֽעַזְבוּ֙ יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
NAS: one of the perfumers, made repairs,
KJV: the son of [one of] the apothecaries, and they fortified
INT: Hananiah one of the perfumers restored Jerusalem

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 7546
1 Occurrence

hā·raq·qā·ḥîm — 1 Occ.