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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râchôwq**, represented by `{{H7350}}`, describes that which is **remote**, whether in place or time. It appears 84 times across 84 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal idea of being 'far off' or from 'long ago' to figurative concepts of relational distance, moral separation, or something 'precious' and hard to attain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H7350}}` is used to convey several types of distance. It describes physical separation, such as Abraham seeing the place of sacrifice "afar off" [[Genesis 22:4]] or strangers coming from a "far country" [[1 Kings 8:41]]. It can also refer to temporal distance, as when God's counsels are described as being "of old" [[Isaiah 25:1]]. Figuratively, it illustrates relational distance, as in the cry, "why art thou so far from helping me?" [[Psalms 22:1]], and moral value, where the price of a virtuous woman is "far above rubies" [[Proverbs 31:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of distance and remoteness:
* `{{H7138}}` **qârôwb** (near): This word is the direct antonym of `{{H7350}}` and is often used in contrast to describe God's offer of peace to all, both "to him that is far off, and to him that is near" [[Isaiah 57:19]].
* `{{H5975}}` **ʻâmad** (to stand): This verb often describes a state of being at a distance, such as when justice "standeth afar off" [[Isaiah 59:14]] or when the people "stood afar off" from the presence of God at the mountain [[Exodus 20:21]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ** (to go or come): This word signifies movement across a great distance, as prophesied when "they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD" [[Zechariah 6:15]] and when God promises to bring His sons "from far" [[Isaiah 43:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7350}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's nature and His relationship with humanity.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The term establishes God's omniscience and omnipresence. He is a God "afar off" just as He is a God "at hand" [[Jeremiah 23:23]], and He understands human thought "afar off" [[Psalms 139:2]].
* **Separation by Sin:** Distance often represents the chasm created by wickedness. The LORD is "far from the wicked" [[Proverbs 15:29]], and for this reason "salvation is far from the wicked" [[Psalms 119:155]].
* **Redemptive Reach:** Despite the distance created by sin or exile, God's call to salvation extends to those who are far away. He promises to save His people "from afar" [[Jeremiah 30:10]] and to bring peace to those who are "far off" [[Isaiah 57:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7350}}` is a versatile term that illustrates more than just physical space. It is a concept central to understanding biblical theology, defining the expanse of time, the value of wisdom, the separation caused by sin, and the boundless reach of God's redemptive power. It shows how the same word can describe both the problem of human distance from God and the promise of His ability to draw His people near.
TRV