Word Study for H7405 (רָכַס) | Strong's Concordance

râkaç /raw-kas'/ Ask about this word

Roota primitive root

Meaningto tie

KJV usagebind.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of râkaç — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word râkaç, represented by H7405, is a primitive root meaning to tie or bind. It is a highly specific term, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the entire Bible, both instances referring to the same specific action.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of H7405 is found exclusively in the instructions for creating the high priest's garments. In both Exodus 28:28 and Exodus 39:21, the word describes the act of physically binding the priest's breastplate to the ephod. This was accomplished by using a blue lace to bind the rings of the breastplate to the rings of the ephod, securing it in place. The stated purpose of this action was to ensure that the breastplate would "not be loosed from the ephod" Exodus 28:28.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the precise context of this action:

H2833 chôshen (breastplate): This is the sacred object being bound. Described as the "breastplate of judgment" Exodus 28:15, it was made of precious materials and held the Urim and Thummim Exodus 28:30. The binding action of H7405 was critical to securing this item.
H6616 pâthîyl (lace, twine): This is the object used to perform the binding. In the context of the priestly garments, a lace of blue was used to tie the breastplate to the ephod Exodus 28:28. This same word is used elsewhere to describe a thread, ribband, or cord Numbers 15:38.
H2118 zâchach (loose): This word describes the outcome that the binding of H7405 is meant to prevent. The explicit instruction was to bind the breastplate so that it might not be loosed from the ephod Exodus 39:21, highlighting the importance of a secure and permanent connection.

Theological Significance

While its usage is rare, the theological weight of H7405 is demonstrated in its specific application.

Divine Command: The act of binding the breastplate was not a matter of practical convenience but of divine instruction. The task was performed exactly "as the LORD commanded Moses" Exodus 39:21, emphasizing that every detail of the priest's attire was an act of obedience.
Functional Integrity: The breastplate was a "memorial before the LORD" Exodus 28:29 and held the instruments of judgment. Binding it securely ensured the high priest's vestments were whole and complete when he went before God, preventing any part of his sacred duty from being displaced or lost.
Symbolic Unity: The binding physically joined the breastplate and the ephod, two central components of the priest's holy garments. This act symbolizes the inseparability of the elements of judgment and priestly service, which were united in the role of the high priest.

Summary

In summary, H7405 is a narrowly defined term whose importance lies in its context. It signifies a precise, physical act of binding that was essential for the construction of the high priest's garments. Its use underscores a theme of obedience to divine command and the need for absolute integrity in the articles used for worship and ministry before the LORD.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

יִרְכְּסוּ
יִּרְכְּסוּ

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in Exodus — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.