### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râpheh**, represented by `{{H7504}}`, is a term for being **slack (in body or mind); weak**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word describes a state of powerlessness, vulnerability, or lack of physical and mental strength.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7504}}` is used to describe both physical and situational weakness. It is used in a military context when the spies are sent to assess if the people of Canaan are "strong or **weak**" [[Numbers 13:18]]. It also depicts a state of personal vulnerability, as when Ahithophel plans to attack David while he is "weary and **weak** handed" [[2 Samuel 17:2]]. The term is often used metaphorically for a lack of resolve or courage, as seen in the command to strengthen the "**weak** hands" ([[Isaiah 35:3]]; [[Job 4:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the concept of weakness by providing contrast or similarity:
* `{{H2388}}` **châzaq** (to seize, be strong... strengthen): This word is used as a direct command to counteract the state of `{{H7504}}`. In both Isaiah and Job, the call is to **strengthen** the weak hands ([[Isaiah 35:3]]; [[Job 4:3]]).
* `{{H2389}}` **châzâq** (strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)): This term serves as the direct antonym to `{{H7504}}` in the assessment of the inhabitants of Canaan, contrasting those who are **strong** with those who are weak [[Numbers 13:18]].
* `{{H3782}}` **kâshal** (to totter or waver... stumble, faint or fall): This word is used in parallel with `{{H7504}}` to describe a state of frailty. Isaiah pairs strengthening "weak hands" with confirming the **feeble** knees [[Isaiah 35:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7504}}` lies in its portrayal of human frailty and the divine response to it.
* **Human Vulnerability:** The word highlights a state of helplessness, whether it is a nation being assessed for conquest [[Numbers 13:18]] or a king being targeted at his lowest point [[2 Samuel 17:2]]. It underscores a condition that is susceptible to failure or attack.
* **A Call to Action:** Weakness is not presented as a final state but as a condition requiring intervention. Job is reminded that he himself used to **strengthen** the weak hands, setting a standard for righteous behavior [[Job 4:3]].
* **Prophetic Restoration:** The command to "Strengthen ye the weak hands" is part of a larger prophecy of God's coming salvation and restoration, where frailty and fear are to be reversed by divine power [[Isaiah 35:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7504}}` denotes more than simple physical weakness. It is a term that encompasses a spectrum of vulnerability, from the military assessment of a people to the personal exhaustion of an individual. Ultimately, the concept of **râpheh** serves to highlight the human condition of frailty, creating a backdrop against which the call to strengthen, encourage, and trust in divine power is made clear.
TRV