a primitive root; to lay up, i.e. collect; gather, get.
Transliteration:râkash
Pronunciation:raw-kash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb רָכַשׁ (râkash, `{{H7408}}`) is a primitive root conveying the fundamental sense of "to lay up," "to collect," "to gather," or "to get." It denotes an active process of accumulating or acquiring material possessions, wealth, or resources. Unlike verbs that might imply mere possession or receiving, רָכָשׁ emphasizes the deliberate effort involved in bringing things together to form a collection or store. Its primitive nature suggests a basic, foundational concept of acquisition in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb רָכַשׁ (râkash, `{{H7408}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Genesis, where it consistently refers to the accumulation of material wealth and livestock by the patriarchs.
* In [[Genesis 12:5]], Abram and Sarai are described as taking "all their substance that they had **gathered** (רָכְשׁוּ)" when they set out from Haran to Canaan. This highlights the significant assets they had acquired, which were essential for their journey and future establishment.
* Similarly, [[Genesis 13:6]] states that Abram and Lot could not dwell together because "their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together," referring to the extensive possessions they had רָכְשׁוּ (gathered). Here, the accumulation of wealth leads to a practical challenge requiring separation.
* Jacob's departure from Laban's household in [[Genesis 31:18]] involves him carrying away "all his cattle, and all his goods which he had **gotten** (רָכַשׁ)." This again underscores the word's connection to livestock and other tangible property acquired through labor and divine favor.
* Finally, [[Genesis 36:6]] recounts Esau taking "all his substance, which he had **gotten** (רָכַשׁ) in the land of Canaan," when he departed from Jacob. This reinforces the consistent usage of רָכַשׁ to describe the material wealth accumulated by these foundational figures.
In all contexts, רָכַשׁ refers to the tangible assets (cattle, goods, substance) that individuals actively acquired and possessed, often in the context of migration or establishing a household. It speaks to the economic realities and the importance of material resources in the patriarchal period.
### Related Words & Concepts
רָכַשׁ (râkash, `{{H7408}}`) shares semantic space with several other Hebrew terms related to acquisition and possession, yet it retains its unique nuance:
* `{{H7069}}` (qanah): "to get, acquire, buy." While qanah can also refer to acquiring possessions, it often carries a broader meaning, including the act of buying or even the divine act of creation or possession. רָכַשׁ is more focused on the active process of gathering or accumulating.
* `{{H6213}}` (asah): "to do, make." In some contexts, asah can imply 'making' or 'acquiring' wealth, but it is a much more general verb for action.
* `{{H2630}}` (chasan): "to store up, lay up." This term emphasizes the act of storing or preserving what has been acquired, whereas רָכַשׁ focuses on the initial act of gathering or getting.
* Thematic connections include concepts of wealth, property, possessions, resources, and the practical aspects of sustenance and livelihood in ancient society.
### Theological Significance
While רָכַשׁ (râkash, `{{H7408}}`) is a neutral term describing the act of acquisition, its consistent application to the patriarchs carries implicit theological weight. The ability of figures like Abram, Lot, Jacob, and Esau to רָכַשׁ significant wealth was often presented as a sign of divine blessing and provision. God's covenant promises to Abraham included not only land and descendants but also prosperity, which enabled the patriarchs to sustain large households and undertake extensive migrations.
The accumulation of possessions described by רָכַשׁ was not inherently condemned; rather, it was a necessary component for survival and the fulfillment of God's plans for His chosen people. It underscores the practical and material aspects of God's care for His people in a world where resources were vital for life and mission. The word reminds us that even in the most spiritual journeys, practical provisions are essential, and often, God blesses His servants with the means to fulfill their calling.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb רָכַשׁ (râkash, `{{H7408}}`) is a primitive root meaning "to lay up, collect, gather, or get." Its limited but consistent usage in Genesis describes the active accumulation of material wealth, possessions, and livestock by the patriarchs. From Abram's journey with all the substance he had רָכַשׁ in Haran ([[Genesis 12:5]]), to Jacob and Esau's extensive holdings ([[Genesis 31:18]], [[Genesis 36:6]]), the word consistently refers to the practical act of acquiring and possessing valuable assets. While semantically neutral, its theological significance lies in depicting the economic realities of early biblical life and implicitly, the divine provision that enabled these figures to רָכַשׁ the resources necessary for their survival, journeys, and the establishment of their households. It highlights the tangible aspects of blessing and sustenance in the ancient world.
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