a primitive root; to soften (intransitively or transitively), used figuratively; (be) faint(-hearted), mollify, (be, make) soft(-er), be tender.
Transliteration:râkak
Pronunciation:raw-kak'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H7401 (רָכַךְ, *râkak*) is a primitive root primarily conveying the sense of "to soften." This core meaning extends across both intransitive and transitive applications. Intransitively, it describes something that *becomes* soft, tender, or weak. Transitionally, it refers to the act of *making* something soft or mollifying it.
Beyond its literal application to physical objects or conditions (e.g., mollifying a wound), râkak carries significant figurative weight. Its semantic range includes:
* **Physical Softening:** To make or become physically pliable or tender.
* **Emotional/Psychological Weakening:** To become "faint-hearted" or cowardly, indicating a loss of resolve or courage due to fear or dread.
* **Spiritual Receptivity/Humility:** To be "tender" in heart, signifying a posture of humility, openness, and responsiveness to divine instruction or judgment.
* **Deceptive Smoothness:** Figuratively, to describe words that are deceptively smooth or flattering, masking hostile intentions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H7401 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse semantic range:
* **Fear and Faint-heartedness:** In military contexts, râkak describes a heart that becomes weak or fearful. [[Deuteronomy 20:8]] states, "What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest the heart of his brothers melt like his heart." Here, râkak depicts a debilitating fear that can spread through a community, undermining resolve. This highlights the negative consequence of a heart softened by dread rather than strengthened by faith.
* **Physical Mollification:** In a literal sense, râkak can refer to the softening of a physical ailment. [[Isaiah 1:6]] laments the nation's spiritual sickness, comparing it to physical wounds: "From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is nothing sound in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or mollified with oil." Here, "mollified" refers to the soothing and softening of wounds with ointment, a physical act of care.
* **Spiritual Humility and Receptivity:** Perhaps the most profound theological use of râkak is found in the account of King Josiah. When the Book of the Law was discovered and read, Josiah's heart was deeply affected. [[2 Kings 22:19]] and [[2 Chronicles 34:27]] both record God's commendation: "Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants... and you tore your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD." Josiah's "tender heart" (וַיֵּרַךְ לְבָבֶךָ, *vayyerakh levavekha*) signifies a spirit of humility, penitence, and profound receptivity to God's word and judgment, contrasting sharply with the hardened hearts of previous kings.
* **Deceptive Words:** râkak can also describe a superficial, deceptive "softness." [[Psalm 55:21]] portrays a treacherous individual: "His words were smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." Here, "softer" (רַכּוּ, *rakku*) refers to the outwardly gentle and soothing nature of the speaker's words, which belie a malicious and violent intent. This usage serves as a warning against superficial pleasantries that mask inner deceit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of râkak intersects with several related Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonyms:** The most prominent conceptual antonym is "hardness of heart." This is often conveyed by words like `{{H7185}}` (קָשֶׁה, *qasheh*, "hard, severe") or `{{H3515}}` (כָּבֵד, *kaved*, "heavy, stubborn"). The contrast between a "soft" heart and a "hard" heart is central to biblical anthropology and theology of repentance.
* **Synonyms/Associated Terms:**
* `{{H7390}}` (רַךְ, *rak*): The adjective form, meaning "tender, soft, weak," often used for young, inexperienced, or vulnerable individuals (e.g., [[Genesis 33:13]]).
* `{{H3372}}` (יָרֵא, *yare*): "To fear, be afraid," often referring to a reverential fear of God but also a debilitating human fear.
* `{{H6342}}` (פָּחַד, *pachad*): "To dread, tremble," indicating a state of terror.
* `{{H6031}}` (עָנָה, *anah*): "To be humbled, afflicted," often associated with repentance and submission.
* `{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, *shabar*): "To break," which can describe a "broken heart" (e.g., [[Psalm 34:18]]), a state of contriteness similar to a tender heart.
* **Concepts:** Courage, cowardice, obedience, rebellion, humility, pride, spiritual receptivity, stubbornness, genuine repentance, and hypocrisy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7401 is profound, particularly in its application to the human heart's disposition before God.
* **The Desired Heart:** God desires a "tender heart" (râkak). King Josiah's example ([[2 Kings 22:19]]) illustrates that a heart softened by God's word, leading to humility and repentance, is highly valued by the Lord. This "tender heart" is a prerequisite for divine favor and averting judgment. It signifies an openness to correction, a willingness to acknowledge sin, and a readiness to respond in obedience. This concept foreshadows the New Covenant promise of replacing a "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh" ([[Ezekiel 36:26]]), though râkak is not used there, the underlying theological principle of a pliable, responsive heart is identical.
* **The Dangerous Heart:** Conversely, a heart "fainthearted" due to fear, as seen in military contexts ([[Deuteronomy 20:8]]), represents a spiritual weakness that can lead to failure and compromise. This extends beyond physical warfare to the spiritual battle, where a lack of faith or courage can lead to spiritual defeat or apostasy.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Response:** While God can sovereignly harden hearts (e.g., Pharaoh), râkak emphasizes the human responsibility to respond to God's revelation with a receptive spirit. The softening of the heart is often a divine act, but it requires human humility and attentiveness to God's voice.
* **Discernment:** The use of râkak in [[Psalm 55:21]] serves as a theological warning. It teaches that not all "softness" is virtuous. Deceptive words, though appearing "softer than oil," can conceal deep malice. This underscores the need for spiritual discernment, looking beyond superficial pleasantries to the true intent of the heart.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H7401 (רָכַךְ, *râkak*) fundamentally means "to soften" in both literal and figurative senses. Its semantic range encompasses physical mollification ([[Isaiah 1:6]]), the emotional state of being "faint-hearted" due to fear ([[Deuteronomy 20:8]]), and, crucially, a spiritual posture of humility and receptivity to God's word, as exemplified by King Josiah's "tender heart" ([[2 Kings 22:19]]). This "tender heart" is a highly valued spiritual disposition, signifying openness to correction and a readiness for repentance. However, râkak also carries a cautionary note, as "softness" can be a deceptive facade for malicious intent ([[Psalm 55:21]]). Ultimately, râkak profoundly illuminates the critical importance of the heart's disposition before God—whether it is one of fearful weakness, humble submission, or deceptive pretense.
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