רָקַב
to decay (as by worm-eating)
Definition
The Hebrew verb רָקַב (râqab) means to decay, rot, or become worm-eaten, describing a process of organic decomposition. In its two biblical occurrences, it conveys the idea of physical decay, often implying a state of ruin or worthlessness due to neglect or divine judgment. In Proverbs 10:7, it metaphorically describes the lasting memory of the righteous versus the 'rotten' (decayed) reputation of the wicked. In Isaiah 40:20, it describes the selection of durable wood for an idol that will not rot, contrasting the permanence of God with the perishable nature of idols.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in wisdom and prophetic literature. In Proverbs 10:7, it is used figuratively for the reputation of the wicked fading into decay. In Isaiah 40:20, it is used literally for selecting wood that will not physically decay for idol construction. The pattern shows it can describe both literal physical rot and metaphorical moral or reputational ruin.
Etymology
A primitive root, רָקַב is related to the noun רָקָב (rāqāḇ, H7538) meaning 'rottenness' or 'decay.' It is associated with the idea of being worm-eaten or crumbling. Cognates in other Semitic languages also convey meanings of decay or being perforated. The root inherently carries a sense of progressive deterioration.
Semantic Range
This word, though rare, contributes to biblical themes of transience and judgment. It contrasts the enduring nature of God and righteousness with the perishable state of wickedness and human-made idols (Isaiah 40:20). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Proverbs 10:7 by highlighting how the legacy of the wicked is not merely forgotten but actively decays, emphasizing the moral consequences of a life opposed to God.
In an ancient agrarian society, decay from worms or rot was a familiar sign of something spoiled, useless, or under a curse. Selecting wood that would not 'râqab' for an idol (Isaiah 40:20) reflected a practical concern for durability, which the prophet ironically contrasts with the eternal nature of Yahweh. The metaphorical use for a reputation assumes a culture where a good name was a treasured, lasting possession.
אָבַד (ʾāḇaḏ, H6) — a broader term meaning to perish or be destroyed, not specifically through decay. שָׁחַת (šāḥaṯ, H7843) — to corrupt, spoil, or destroy, often morally or through violence, not necessarily by natural rotting.
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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