רַקֻּחַ
a scented substance
Definition
The Hebrew noun רַקֻּחַ (raqquach) refers to a scented substance, specifically a perfume or aromatic ointment. It denotes a carefully prepared mixture of fragrant ingredients, often used for anointing or as a luxurious cosmetic. The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Isaiah 57:9, where it is used metaphorically in a context of idolatrous practices. Its meaning is consistently tied to the idea of a compounded, high-quality aromatic product.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only a single time in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 57:9, it appears in a polemical context where the prophet condemns Israel's unfaithfulness: the people are accused of taking 'perfume' (raqquach) to Molech as part of idolatrous worship. This singular usage gives the word a negative connotation, associated with pagan ritual and spiritual adultery rather than positive, sacred anointing.
Etymology
רַקֻּחַ (raqquach) is a noun derived from the root verb רָקַח (raqach, H7543), which means 'to mix, to compound, or to spice.' This root is specifically used for the skilled preparation of ointments, perfumes, or aromatic oils by blending various ingredients. The noun form thus inherently carries the sense of a skillfully mixed, compounded substance.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word carries theological weight in its context. In Isaiah 57:9, the 'perfume' is not used for worship of Yahweh but is lavished on a pagan deity (Molech). This highlights the theme of Israel's spiritual adultery—using items associated with beauty, value, and devotion in the service of idolatry. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading by clarifying the specific, costly nature of the offering, underscoring the depth of the people's misplaced devotion.
In the ancient Near East, perfumes and aromatic ointments were valuable commodities, often made from imported spices and oils. They were used for personal adornment, in burial preparations, and in religious rituals. The act of taking perfume to a king or a god was a sign of honor, tribute, or seeking favor. Isaiah's audience would have understood the significant expense and intentionality behind such an act, making the metaphor of giving it to a false god all the more shocking and condemnatory.
בֹּשֶׂם (bosem, H1314) — a general term for spice or fragrance. / שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — oil, often the base for perfumed ointments. / קְטֹרֶת (qetoreth, H7004) — incense, a substance burned for its fragrance, often in worship.
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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