The meaning of “רָקַע”
Understanding râqaʻ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
beat, make broad, spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch. - to pound the earth (as a sign of pass...
רָקַע
beat, make broad, spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch. - to pound the earth (as a sign of passion) - by analogy to expand (by hammering) - by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal) 1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stamp, beat out 1a2) one who beats out (participle) 1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating) 1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus 39:3 | “And they did beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, with cunning work.” Word: רָקַע (râqaʻ) | |
| Numbers 16:39 | “And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:” Word: רָקַע (râqaʻ) | |
| 2 Samuel 22:43 | “Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.” Word: רָקַע (râqaʻ) | |
| Job 37:18 | “Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?” Word: רָקַע (râqaʻ) | |
| Psalms 136:6 | “To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Word: רָקַע (râqaʻ) |