from רָכַךְ; tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak; faint((-hearted), soft, tender ((-hearted), one), weak.
Transliteration:rak
Pronunciation:rak
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew adjective `{{H7390}}` (rak) is derived from the verb `{{H7401}}` (rakak), meaning "to be soft" or "to be tender." As an adjective, `{{H7390}}` primarily denotes a state of being soft, tender, or delicate, often with implications of vulnerability or lack of strength. Its semantic range extends from the literal physical quality to figurative applications concerning age, courage, and moral resilience.
Literally, it describes something physically soft or delicate, such as a "tender" animal ([[Genesis 18:7]]) or a "tender" plant. Figuratively, `{{H7390}}` encompasses several nuances:
1. **Youth or Immaturity:** Describing someone as "young and tender," implying inexperience or lack of developed strength and wisdom ([[1 Chronicles 29:1]]).
2. **Physical Weakness or Delicacy:** Referring to a person who is physically delicate, often due to upbringing or circumstances, and thus vulnerable to hardship ([[Deuteronomy 28:54]], [[Isaiah 47:1]]).
3. **Faint-heartedness or Cowardice:** Indicating a lack of courage or resolve, a "faint" or "tender" heart that is easily dismayed or terrified ([[Jeremiah 51:46]]).
4. **Figurative Weakness or Vulnerability:** In a broader sense, it can describe a state of being weak or vulnerable, even in positions of power, as seen in David's lament ([[2 Samuel 3:39]]).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H7390}}` appears in various contexts, revealing its multifaceted meaning:
* **Physical Tenderness/Delicacy:**
* In [[Genesis 18:7]], Abraham selects a "tender and good" calf, highlighting its quality and suitability for a meal, implying a young, prime animal.
* [[Deuteronomy 28:54]] and [[Deuteronomy 28:56]] describe the "tender and delicate" woman during the horrors of siege, emphasizing her extreme vulnerability and the unimaginable desperation that leads her to consume her own children. This portrays a pampered existence contrasting sharply with the grim reality.
* [[Isaiah 47:1]] uses "tender and delicate" to describe the virgin daughter of Babylon, signifying her luxurious, protected life prior to her downfall, unaccustomed to hardship.
* **Youth and Inexperience:**
* [[1 Chronicles 29:1]] refers to Solomon as "young and tender" (נַעַר וָרַךְ), underscoring his youth and lack of experience for the immense task of building the Temple and ruling the kingdom. This highlights the need for divine wisdom and guidance.
* **Figurative Weakness/Vulnerability (Mental/Moral):**
* [[2 Samuel 3:39]] presents David's poignant confession, "I am too tender today, though a king," after the murder of Abner. Here, `{{H7390}}` signifies a state of emotional or moral weakness, perhaps indicating his inability or reluctance to exact justice, or his vulnerability to the Sons of Zeruiah.
* [[Jeremiah 51:46]] warns against a "faint" (וְאַל יֵרַךְ) heart, urging the people not to lose courage or be terrified by rumors, especially concerning the approaching judgment on Babylon. This usage directly relates `{{H7390}}` to a lack of fortitude or fear.
These occurrences demonstrate `{{H7390}}`'s flexibility in describing physical attributes, developmental stages, and psychological states, consistently pointing to a lack of hardness, strength, or resilience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H7390}}` is illuminated by its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **Root Verb:** The direct root is `{{H7401}}` (rakak), "to be soft, tender, weak," from which `{{H7390}}` is derived. Understanding the verb reinforces the core meaning of yielding or lacking firmness.
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* `{{H2389}}` (chazaq): "strong, firm, mighty." This word often stands in direct opposition to the weakness implied by `{{H7390}}`, especially in contexts of courage or physical ability.
* `{{H7186}}` (qasheh): "hard, difficult, stiff-necked." A "hard heart" (לֵב קָשֶׁה) contrasts sharply with a "tender heart" in terms of responsiveness.
* `{{H3515}}` (kaved): "heavy, burdensome," which can imply stubbornness or dullness when applied to the heart.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* `{{H2523}}` (challash): "weak, feeble," often used for physical or military weakness.
* `{{H6996}}` (qatan): "small, young, insignificant," which can overlap with the "young and tender" aspect of `{{H7390}}` in terms of inexperience.
* `{{H3808}}` (levav) / `{{H3820}}` (lev): "heart," frequently combined with `{{H7390}}` to form expressions like "faint-hearted" (לֵב רַךְ). This highlights the emotional and volitional aspects of the word.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7390}}` lies in its portrayal of human vulnerability, the nature of God's interaction with the weak, and the qualities of a responsive heart.
1. **Human Frailty and Dependence:** The concept of being "tender" or "weak" underscores the inherent limitations and fragility of humanity. This frailty necessitates reliance on God's strength and provision. God often chooses the "weak things of the world" ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]], using the Greek `{{G772}}` asthenēs, which carries similar connotations of weakness) to shame the strong, demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness.
2. **God's Protection of the Vulnerable:** The Bible consistently portrays God as the protector of the "tender" and delicate, especially the marginalized and oppressed (widows, orphans, the poor). The descriptions of the "tender and delicate woman" in [[Deuteronomy 28]] serve as a stark warning of the consequences of disobedience, where even the most protected will suffer, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment when His covenant is broken.
3. **The Responsive Heart:** While "faint-heartedness" can be a negative trait (lack of courage), a "tender heart" can also signify a positive spiritual disposition. A heart that is "tender" (not hardened) is receptive to God's word, open to conviction, and willing to repent. This contrasts with the "stiff-necked" or "hardened" heart that resists divine instruction. A truly "tender" heart, in this sense, is humble and teachable, a quality God desires.
4. **Leadership and Maturity:** The description of Solomon as "young and tender" highlights the need for divine wisdom and maturity in leadership. It emphasizes that human capacity alone is insufficient for great tasks, requiring God's anointing and guidance to overcome inherent limitations.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7390}}` (rak) signifies "tender," "soft," or "weak," drawing from its root `{{H7401}}` (rakak), "to be soft." Its semantic range extends from literal physical delicacy to figurative states of youth, inexperience, emotional vulnerability, and lack of courage. Biblically, it describes physically delicate individuals, inexperienced leaders like Solomon, and hearts that are faint or easily dismayed. Theologically, `{{H7390}}` highlights human frailty and dependence on God, underscores God's role as protector of the vulnerable, and distinguishes between a negative "faint-heartedness" and a positive "tender heart" that is responsive to divine will. Ultimately, `{{H7390}}` serves as a reminder of human limitations and the profound need for divine strength, wisdom, and grace.
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