### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun רְפִידָה (rᵉphîydâh, `{{H7507}}`) is derived from the verbal root רָפַד (râphad, `{{H7506}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to spread out," "to lay down," or "to strew." This etymological connection suggests that רְפִידָה refers to something that is spread out, laid flat, or forms a foundational layer. Its base definition encompasses "a railing (as spread along)" or "bottom." The semantic range thus points to an extended surface, a foundational element, or an internal lining or covering, particularly one that offers support or comfort. The nuance of "railing" implies something stretched along an edge or border, while "bottom" suggests the lowest or innermost part of an object.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word רְפִידָה (rᵉphîydâh, `{{H7507}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Song of Solomon 3:10]]. The verse describes King Solomon's majestic palanquin or litter: "He made its pillars of silver, its back of gold, its seat of purple, its interior רְפִידָתוֹ (rᵉphîydâṯô) of love for the daughters of Jerusalem."
In this singular occurrence, the term describes a component of a royal conveyance, specifically its inner part. Translations vary significantly, reflecting the unique context and the word's rare appearance:
* The King James Version (KJV) renders it "the bottom thereof of gold."
* The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translates it as "its couch of purple, its interior lovingly fitted out for the daughters of Jerusalem."
* The English Standard Version (ESV) has "its back of gold, its seat of purple, its interior inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem."
* Other versions use "lining," "pavement," or "covering."
Given the root meaning of "to spread out" and the context of a luxurious litter, רְפִידָה most likely refers to the inner lining, covering, or perhaps the padded base of the palanquin. It is the part upon which one would recline or sit. The poetic phrase "רְפִידָתוֹ רָצוּף אַהֲבָה" (rᵉphîydâṯô rāṣûp̄ ’ahăḇâ) literally means "its רְפִידָה paved/inlaid with love." This suggests that the interior of the palanquin was not merely adorned *with* love, but that love itself constituted its very fabric or essence, making it exquisitely comfortable and desirable. This is a highly metaphorical expression, emphasizing the profound affection associated with the object.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root רָפַד (râphad, `{{H7506}}`), meaning "to spread out," "to lay down," or "to strew." This root is used, for example, in [[Job 17:13]] where Job speaks of spreading his couch in darkness, and in [[Psalm 139:8]] where the psalmist considers making his bed in Sheol. This connection reinforces the idea of רְפִידָה as something laid out for rest or comfort.
Other related concepts include:
* **Luxury and Adornment:** The context of Solomon's palanquin places רְפִידָה within a lexicon of opulence, alongside silver, gold, and purple.
* **Furniture and Bedding:** Words for "bed" (מִטָּה, miṭṭâ, `{{H4296}}`), "couch" (עֶרֶשׂ, ‘ereś, `{{H6210}}`), or "litter" (אַפִּרְיוֹן, ’appiryôn, `{{H668}}` in the Aramaic of the Targum, or possibly related to the Greek φόρειον, phoreion) are conceptually linked, as רְפִידָה describes a part of such an item.
* **Inner Covering/Lining:** Concepts of interior design or the soft components of a structure.
### Theological Significance
While רְפִידָה (rᵉphîydâh, `{{H7507}}`) is a rare word and does not carry inherent theological weight on its own, its sole appearance in [[Song of Solomon 3:10]] imbues it with profound symbolic meaning within the allegorical interpretations of the Song. The palanquin of King Solomon is widely understood as a representation of the relationship between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel.
The "רְפִידָה of love" (רְפִידָתוֹ רָצוּף אַהֲבָה) is particularly significant. It suggests that the very foundation, the inner comfort, and the essence of this royal conveyance are constituted by love.
* **Divine Love and Provision:** If the palanquin represents the means by which the King (Christ/God) carries His beloved (the Church/Israel), then its interior, made of love, speaks to the absolute comfort, security, and tender care provided by the divine Bridegroom. His relationship with His people is not merely adorned by love, but fundamentally *composed* of it.
* **Intimacy and Union:** The "interior" aspect of the palanquin emphasizes intimacy. The space where the beloved rests is saturated with love, pointing to the deep, personal, and affectionate union between God and His people.
* **Beauty and Value:** The precious materials (silver, gold, purple) combined with the "lining of love" highlight the immense value and beauty of this relationship in God's eyes. It is a relationship of unparalleled richness and affection.
Thus, this solitary word, in its poetic context, serves as a powerful descriptor of the all-encompassing, foundational, and luxurious nature of divine love that undergirds the covenant relationship.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רְפִידָה (rᵉphîydâh, `{{H7507}}`), derived from the root "to spread out," refers to an inner lining, covering, or the bottom part of an object, often associated with comfort or support. Its single occurrence in [[Song of Solomon 3:10]] describes the "interior" or "lining" of King Solomon's palanquin as being "of love." This unique poetic expression, "רְפִידָתוֹ רָצוּף אַהֲבָה," signifies that the very essence and foundation of the royal conveyance is love itself. In theological interpretation, particularly within the allegorical understanding of the Song of Solomon, this term underscores the profound, intimate, and all-encompassing love that characterizes the divine Bridegroom's relationship with His beloved, providing ultimate comfort, security, and preciousness.
TRV