### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Rhachḗl**, represented by `{{G4478}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Rachel, the wife of Jacob**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its sole usage highly specific and impactful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical occurrence of `{{G4478}}` is in the context of great sorrow and loss. In [[Matthew 2:18]], a **voice** `{{G5456}}` is **heard** `{{G191}}` in **Rama** `{{G4471}}`, described as one of **lamentation** `{{G2355}}`, **weeping** `{{G2805}}`, and **great** `{{G4183}}` **mourning** `{{G3602}}`. **Rachel** is depicted as **weeping** `{{G2799}}` for her **children** `{{G5043}}`. Her grief is portrayed as absolute, as she **would** `{{G2309}}` **not** `{{G3756}}` be **comforted** `{{G3870}}` **because** `{{G3754}}` they "are not."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage illuminate the depth of this scene:
* `{{G4471}}` **Rhamâ** (Rama): This word identifies the location, **a place in Palestine**, where the voice of mourning was heard [[Matthew 2:18]].
* `{{G2799}}` **klaíō** (weeping): This verb means **to sob, i.e. wail aloud**, and describes the specific action of Rachel's intense grief for her children [[Matthew 2:18]].
* `{{G5043}}` **téknon** (children): Defined as **a child (as produced)**, this word identifies the object of Rachel's inconsolable sorrow [[Matthew 2:18]].
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (be comforted): Meaning **to call near... (be of good) comfort**, this word highlights the severity of the loss, as Rachel refuses this comfort [[Matthew 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4478}}` is concentrated in its single, evocative use.
* **Embodiment of Maternal Grief:** Rachel is presented as the archetypal figure of maternal suffering. Her identity is used to give a voice to a collective, national tragedy, expressed through **lamentation** `{{G2355}}`, **weeping** `{{G2805}}`, and **mourning** `{{G3602}}`.
* **Inconsolable Loss:** The passage emphasizes the finality of the loss. Rachel's refusal to be **comforted** `{{G3870}}` is explained with the stark reality that her children **are** `{{G1526}}` **not** `{{G3756}}`. This points to a grief so profound that it is beyond consolation.
* **A Voice of Sorrow:** The "voice heard in Rama" is not just a sound but a significant declaration of pain. It connects the suffering of the moment to the historical matriarch of Israel, deepening its emotional and spiritual resonance [[Matthew 2:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **Rhachḗl** `{{G4478}}` serves a singular and poignant role in scripture. Though mentioned only once, her name is invoked to personify the ultimate sorrow of a mother for her **children**. The narrative in [[Matthew 2:18]] uses her as a powerful symbol of inconsolable grief, where a voice of **lamentation** and **weeping** captures a moment of profound and heartbreaking loss.
TRV