from an unused root apparently meaning to hollow out; a channel or watering-box; by resemblance a ringlet of hair (as forming parallel lines); gallery, gutter, trough.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **rahaṭ**, represented by `{{H7298}}`, is defined as a channel, watering-box, gutter, or trough. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word stems from a root meaning to hollow out, and by resemblance, it can also refer to a ringlet of hair, as seen in its translation as "galleries."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H7298}}` varies between literal and figurative contexts. In a practical sense, it describes the **troughs** that the daughters of the priest of Midian filled with water for their father's flock [[Exodus 2:16]]. Similarly, it is used for the **gutters** in the watering troughs where Jacob placed peeled rods before the flocks when they came to drink, so that they would conceive ([[Genesis 30:38]], [[Genesis 30:41]]). Metaphorically, it is used in Song of Solomon to describe hair, where the beauty of the beloved's hair is like **galleries** that hold the king captive [[Song of Solomon 7:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{H7298}}`:
* `{{H8268}}` **shôqeth** (trough): This word appears alongside `{{H7298}}` in [[Genesis 30:38]], reinforcing the imagery of a watering place for flocks. It specifies the "watering **troughs**" where the "gutters" were located.
* `{{H4731}}` **maqqêl** (rod, staff): This is the object that Jacob set within the **gutters** `{{H7298}}` to influence the flocks during conception, making it central to the narrative's action ([[Genesis 30:38]], [[Genesis 30:41]]).
* `{{H1803}}` **dallâh** (hair): In Song of Solomon, `{{H7298}}` is used to poetically describe **hair**, showing its figurative application to describe parallel, flowing lines resembling ringlets or galleries [[Song of Solomon 7:5]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7298}}` is found in its specific, contextual roles rather than broad theological themes.
* **A Place of Provision:** As a trough or gutter, it is a site of life-sustaining activity, where flocks are watered and cared for ([[Exodus 2:16]], [[Genesis 30:38]]). This highlights the importance of providing for livestock.
* **A Point of Strategic Action:** In the account of Jacob, the **gutters** serve as the precise location for a pivotal action intended to influence the outcome of breeding among the flocks [[Genesis 30:41]].
* **A Metaphor for Captivating Beauty:** The word's use in Song of Solomon elevates it from a common, functional object to a powerful symbol of alluring beauty, where hair is described as **galleries** that hold a king [[Song of Solomon 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7298}}` is a versatile term that illustrates the Bible's use of concrete imagery. While its primary meaning relates to the practical, hollowed-out channels used for watering animals, it also serves as a rich poetic metaphor for beauty. Its few appearances show a transition from the functional world of shepherds and flocks to the elevated language of love and admiration.
TRV