or רָחֹק; from רָחַק; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition); (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come.
Transliteration:râchôwq
Pronunciation:raw-khoke'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective רָחוֹק (râchôwq, `{{H7350}}`), also appearing as רָחֹק, derives from the verbal root רָחַק (râchaq, `{{H7368}}`), meaning "to be far, distant, or removed." As an adjective, רָחוֹק fundamentally describes a state of remoteness, whether in terms of physical space or temporal duration.
Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Spatial Distance:** Indicating something that is "far," "remote," "distant," "abroad," or "off." This can refer to geographical locations, the position of objects, or the separation between individuals.
2. **Temporal Distance:** Denoting something that occurred "long ago," "of old," or conversely, something that will happen in a "great while to come." It marks a significant span of time, past or future.
3. **Figurative Distance:** Beyond literal measures, רָחוֹק can imply a conceptual or spiritual separation, a state of being inaccessible or removed.
4. **Exceptional Value/Preciousness:** Uniquely, the definition notes a specific usage where רָחוֹק signifies "precious" or "exceedingly valuable." This nuance suggests that something distant or set apart can also be highly esteemed, perhaps due to its rarity or unique quality.
The word is frequently employed adverbially, often with prepositions (e.g., מֵרָחוֹק - "from afar"), to emphasize the degree or origin of distance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of רָחוֹק across the Hebrew Bible illuminates its varied applications:
* **Literal Spatial Distance:**
* In [[Genesis 22:4]], Abraham "saw the place afar off" (מֵרָחֹק) as he approached Mount Moriah for the sacrifice of Isaac. This highlights the journey and the deliberate, measured approach to a divinely appointed location.
* Miriam's watchful stance "afar off" (מֵרָחֹק) from the basket carrying Moses in [[Exodus 2:4]] conveys a sense of anxious separation and observation.
* Prophetic warnings often describe an invading nation coming "from afar" (מֵרָחוֹק), as seen in [[Deuteronomy 28:49]] and [[Isaiah 5:26]]. This emphasizes their foreignness, unexpectedness, and the vast reach of God's judgment or sovereign control.
* The return from exile is frequently described as God bringing His people back "from afar" (מֵרָחוֹק), as in [[Jeremiah 30:10]], signifying both geographical distance and the long period of dispersion.
* **Temporal Distance:**
* The phrase "from afar" (מֵרָחוֹק) can refer to a distant point in time, particularly the past. In [[Isaiah 49:1]], the prophet declares, "The Lord has called me from the womb, from afar" (מֵרָחוֹק), indicating a divine calling that was established long ago, even before birth.
* **Figurative/Spiritual Distance:**
* In [[Psalm 139:2]], the psalmist marvels at God's omniscience: "You discern my thoughts from afar" (מֵרָחוֹק). Here, רָחוֹק transcends physical distance, pointing to God's profound knowledge that perceives intentions and thoughts even before they are fully formed or expressed, demonstrating divine transcendence and immanence.
* **Exceptional Value/Preciousness:**
* Perhaps the most striking and unique usage is found in [[Proverbs 31:10]], describing the virtuous wife: "Her worth is far above rubies" (וְרָחֹק מִפְּנִינִים מִכְרָהּ). Here, רָחוֹק (often translated as "far above," "more precious than," or "beyond compare") denotes an incomparable value, asserting that her worth exceeds even the most precious gems. This usage transforms the concept of "distance" into a qualitative measure of supreme excellence and rarity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which רָחוֹק derives:
* רָחַק (râchaq, `{{H7368}}`): "to be far, distant, remove oneself." This verb underlies the core meaning of separation and remoteness.
The direct antonym is also crucial for understanding its semantic field:
* קָרוֹב (qârov, `{{H7138}}`): "near, close, at hand." This word often stands in theological opposition to רָחוֹק, particularly in discussions of God's presence or absence, or humanity's relationship with Him.
The conceptual sphere of רָחוֹק touches upon:
* **Proximity and Separation:** The fundamental state of being close or apart.
* **Alienation and Accessibility:** Whether something or someone is approachable or estranged.
* **Transcendence and Immanence:** In theology, the "far-ness" of God (transcendence) contrasted with His "near-ness" (immanence).
* **Remoteness and Presence:** The experience of absence versus the reality of presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of רָחוֹק are multifaceted:
1. **Divine Transcendence and Sovereignty:** רָחוֹק underscores God's transcendence. He is "far above" creation, beyond human limitations of space and time. Yet, this distance does not imply disinterest; rather, it highlights His absolute sovereignty. God's ability to summon nations "from afar" ([[Isaiah 5:26]]) or to bring His people back "from afar" ([[Jeremiah 30:10]]) demonstrates His control over all earthly affairs and distances. His knowledge of thoughts "from afar" ([[Psalm 139:2]]) speaks to His infinite wisdom and omnipresence, which transcends physical proximity.
2. **Human Condition and Redemption:** The concept of "far" often implicitly describes humanity's spiritual distance from God due to sin. While רָחוֹק itself doesn't explicitly denote spiritual alienation in most contexts, the broader biblical narrative frequently portrays humanity as "far off" from God's presence and covenant blessings (cf. `{{G3112}}` in [[Ephesians 2:13]] for the New Testament parallel). The divine act of salvation, therefore, is often described as God bringing near those who were far off, bridging the chasm of sin.
3. **The Value of the Set Apart:** The unique usage in [[Proverbs 31:10]], where רָחוֹק signifies "precious" or "incomparable," offers a profound theological insight. It suggests that what is distinct, rare, or set apart (i.e., "far" from the common) holds immense value. This can be applied to wisdom, righteousness, or even the unique and holy nature of God Himself, whose "far-ness" contributes to His preciousness and awe-inspiring majesty. This meaning transforms distance from a mere physical or temporal measurement into a qualitative indicator of supreme worth.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָחוֹק (râchôwq, `{{H7350}}`) primarily denotes distance, whether literally in terms of space ("far," "remote") or time ("long ago," "of old"). Its usage vividly portrays geographical separation, the span of historical periods, and God's transcendent knowledge. Crucially, רָחוֹק also carries a specific, powerful connotation of "precious" or "exceedingly valuable," particularly exemplified in [[Proverbs 31:10]]. Theologically, it speaks to God's transcendence and sovereign control over all creation, the spiritual distance between God and humanity that He bridges through His redemptive acts, and the profound value of that which is set apart or uniquely excellent. This dual sense of "far" and "precious" enriches the word's contribution to biblical theology, highlighting that what is distant can also be uniquely esteemed and revered.
TRV