רוּק
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e. empty
Definition
The Hebrew verb רוּק (rûwq) fundamentally means 'to empty' or 'to pour out,' describing a physical action of making something void of its contents. In a literal sense, it often refers to emptying vessels, such as sacks (Genesis 42:35) or quivers of arrows (Psalm 18:42). Figuratively, it extends to the idea of being 'emptied' or 'poured out' in contexts of defeat, desolation, or divine judgment, as when God promises to scatter (empty) His people among the nations for disobedience (Leviticus 26:33). It can also describe the act of drawing out a weapon, like a sword, from its sheath (Genesis 14:14).
Biblical Usage
This verb is used 19 times across various literary contexts, including historical narrative, poetry, and prophecy. In narrative, it describes concrete actions like Abram's servants 'arming' themselves (Genesis 14:14) or the brothers finding their money sacks emptied (Genesis 42:35). In poetic and prophetic books, it is used metaphorically: enemies are 'emptied' or poured out in battle (Psalm 35:3; Exodus 15:9), and it illustrates the scattering of people (Leviticus 26:33). Its usage in Ecclesiastes 11:3 ('the clouds empty themselves upon the earth') provides a vivid natural image.
Etymology
רוּק is a primitive root verb. It is related to the idea of being or becoming empty. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Arabic and Aramaic, carry similar meanings of 'emptying' or 'pouring out,' suggesting a core concept of transferring contents from one state or location to another, often resulting in depletion.
Semantic Range
This word carries theological weight in contexts of divine action and human condition. It is used to portray God's judgment in 'emptying' or scattering nations (Leviticus 26:33), emphasizing the serious consequences of covenant disobedience. Conversely, in poetic laments like Psalm 35, it expresses the psalmist's plea for God to act against enemies, framing divine justice as a 'pouring out' of opposition. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the tangible imagery of depletion and transfer used to describe spiritual realities of judgment, warfare, and vulnerability.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, 'emptying' a vessel like a sack or quiver was a direct, observable action with immediate practical consequences—loss of resources or readiness for battle. The metaphorical extension to people being 'emptied' from their land (Leviticus 26:33) would resonate deeply in an agrarian, tribal society where identity and security were tied to the land. Drawing (emptying) a weapon from its sheath was a definitive act of preparation for conflict.
שׁפך (shâphak, H8210) — emphasizes a vigorous pouring out, often of liquids like blood or water; more violent connotation. ריק (rîyq, H7386) — the adjectival form meaning 'empty'; describes a state rather than the action. ערה (ʿârâh, H6168) — to lay bare or empty, often in the sense of uncovering or exposing.
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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