רֶקַח
properly, perfumery, i.e. (by implication) spicery (for flavor)
Definition
רֶקַח (reqach) refers to a mixture of spices or perfumes, specifically a blended concoction used for flavoring or fragrance. The word denotes the art or product of perfumery, implying a carefully prepared aromatic compound. In its single biblical occurrence in Song of Solomon 8:2, it describes spiced wine, highlighting a drink enhanced with spices. The term emphasizes skilled preparation and the resulting sensory delight, whether for culinary or aromatic purposes.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Song of Solomon 8:2, where the speaker says, 'I would lead you and bring you into the house of my mother, she who used to teach me. I would give you spiced wine (יַיִן הָרֶקַח) to drink, from the juice of my pomegranate.' Here, it modifies wine, indicating it is flavored or perfumed with spices, reflecting an intimate, celebratory context within the poetic imagery of love and desire.
Etymology
Derived from the root רָקַח (raqach, H7543), meaning 'to mix, compound, or spice,' רֶקַח is a noun form that denotes the mixture itself. The root conveys the action of blending ingredients, often for perfumes or medicines, as seen in Exodus 30:25 for holy anointing oil. Cognates in related Semitic languages also refer to mixing or perfuming, underscoring a shared cultural practice of creating aromatic compounds.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, this word enriches the theological theme of divine love and intimacy in Song of Solomon, where spiced wine symbolizes the sweetness and delight of relational union, often interpreted as reflecting God's love for His people. Understanding it as a carefully prepared blend highlights the intentionality and richness of such love, adding depth to metaphors of spiritual nourishment and joy in biblical poetry.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, spiced wines and perfumes were luxury items associated with feasting, hospitality, and romance, often used in royal or ceremonial settings. The preparation involved skilled artisans who blended imported spices like cinnamon, myrrh, and saffron, making such mixtures valuable and symbolic of abundance and pleasure. This contrasts with modern casual use of spices, emphasizing their role in enhancing special occasions and sensory experiences.
בֹּשֶׂם (bosem, H1314) — general term for spice or fragrance, often used for incense or aromatic plants. סַמִּים (sammim, H5561) — spices, typically referring to ingredients for anointing oil or incense, as in Exodus 25:6. רֵיחַ (reyach, H7381) — scent or aroma, focusing on the smell rather than the mixture itself.
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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