רָכַךְ
to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively
Definition
The verb רָכַךְ (râkak) means 'to soften' or 'to become soft,' describing a physical, emotional, or spiritual state. In a physical sense, it can refer to the softening of a heart, as in the case of Josiah whose heart was tender before God (2 Kings 22:19). In a negative figurative sense, it describes becoming faint-hearted or losing courage, such as when soldiers are told not to let their hearts grow soft in battle (Deuteronomy 20:3). It also appears in contexts of physical affliction, like wounds that are not softened or soothed (Isaiah 1:6).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used eight times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and prophetic books. It often describes the internal condition of the heart—either positively, as a tender responsiveness to God (2 Kings 22:19; 2 Chronicles 34:27), or negatively, as a loss of courage or resolve (Deuteronomy 20:3; Jeremiah 51:46). It also appears in poetic contexts to depict physical softening or mollifying (Job 23:16; Psalm 55:21; Isaiah 1:6) and in a prophetic warning not to be faint-hearted (Isaiah 7:4).
Etymology
רָכַךְ is a primitive root meaning 'to be soft' or 'tender.' It is related to the adjective רַךְ (rak, H7390), meaning 'soft,' 'tender,' or 'weak.' The root conveys the basic idea of pliability or lack of hardness, which developed into metaphorical uses for emotional and spiritual states.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it describes the proper human response to God's word—a 'soft' or tender heart that is receptive and repentant, exemplified by King Josiah. Conversely, a heart that 'grows soft' with fear illustrates a failure of faith and courage in the face of God's commands or promises. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical metaphor of the heart's condition as central to obedience and relationship with God.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the heart was considered the seat of intellect, will, and emotion. 'Softening' the heart was not merely about feelings but about a change in one's entire disposition and resolve. In a martial context (Deuteronomy 20:3), a 'soft' heart meant cowardice that could endanger the community, reflecting the high value placed on communal courage and faithfulness.
רַךְ (rak, H7390) — An adjective meaning 'soft' or 'tender,' often describing physical qualities or a gentle disposition. כָּבַד (kâbad, H3513) — Often means 'to be heavy' or 'hardened,' typically the opposite spiritual state of an unresponsive heart. שָׁבַר (shâbar, H7665) — Means 'to break' or 'shatter,' sometimes used for a contrite heart, differing as a more dramatic breaking rather than a softening.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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