English · KJV
H7502

רָפַד

râphad /raw-fad'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto spread (a bed); by implication, to refresh
KJV usagecomfort, make (a bed), spread.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of râphad — 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 râphad, represented by H7502, is a primitive root meaning to spread, refresh, or comfort. Its applications include making a bed or spreading something out. It is a rare term, appearing only 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, with each usage providing a distinct shade of meaning.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The contexts for H7502 vary significantly, from tender affection to grim finality. In the Song of Solomon, it is a plea for emotional and physical restoration, where the speaker asks to be comforted with apples, being "sick of love" Song of Solomon 2:5. In contrast, Job uses the term to describe his acceptance of death, stating, "I have made my bed in the darkness" Job 17:13, implying a preparation for the grave. A third usage describes a formidable creature that "spreadeth" sharp objects beneath it, creating a harsh and painful foundation Job 41:30.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the different contexts of H7502:

  • H3326 yâtsûwaʻ (bed, couch): This is the object of the action in Job's declaration, where he makes his bed in the grave, directly linking H7502 to preparing a place of rest Job 17:13.
  • H5564 çâmak (to prop, sustain, stay): Used in parallel with H7502 in the plea "Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples," this word reinforces the theme of providing support and refreshment Song of Solomon 2:5.
  • H2470 châlâh (to be weak, sick, afflicted): This word establishes the need for the comfort and refreshment conveyed by H7502, as the speaker is "sick of love" Song of Solomon 2:5.
  • H2742 chărûwts (pointed things, sharp): In Job, this is what is being spread, demonstrating that the action of H7502 is not inherently gentle but depends entirely on what is being laid out Job 41:30.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H7502 is found in its contextual flexibility, illustrating different aspects of the human condition.

  • A Cry for Refreshment: In a state of overwhelming emotion, the word expresses a deep longing for comfort and sustenance. The speaker is "sick of love" and desires to be refreshed and supported Song of Solomon 2:5.
  • Preparation for the Grave: Job uses the term to signify a deliberate preparation for his final resting place. By "making" his bed in darkness, he resigns himself to the grave (H7585), demonstrating a somber readiness for what lies ahead Job 17:13.
  • The Spreading of Hardship: The action can also be used to describe the creation of a harsh environment. The creature in Job 41 "spreadeth" sharp things, showing that the same root can imply the establishment of pain rather than comfort Job 41:30.

Summary

In summary, H7502 is a specific and versatile verb whose meaning is defined by its context. Though used only three times, râphad powerfully conveys actions ranging from the gentle comforting of a loved one to the solemn preparation of a bed in the grave, and even the hostile spreading of sharp objects. It demonstrates how the object of an action can entirely transform its implication from one of solace to one of severity.

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 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 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.

  • רַפְּדוּ
  • רִפַּדְתִּי
  • יִרְפַּד

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H3326 יָצוּעַ passive participle of יַצַע; spread, i.e. a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e. wing or lean-to (a single story or co H5564 סָמַךְ a primitive root; to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfa H2470 חָלָה a primitive root (compare חוּל, חָלָה, חָלַל); properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, af H2742 חֲרוּץ or חָרֻץ; passive participle of חָרַץ; properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun masculine or feminine) a t H7585 שְׁאוֹל or שְׁאֹל; from שָׁאַל; Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inm

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

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Job (2 verses); never once in the other 37.

2
Job
1
Song of Solomon

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.