from רָקַב; decay (by caries); rottenness (thing).
Transliteration:râqâb
Pronunciation:raw-kawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun râqâb (`{{H7538}}`) derives from the verbal root râqab (`{{H7537}}`), which means "to rot," "to decay," or "to become putrid." As a noun, râqâb denotes the *state* or *product* of this process. Its core meaning encompasses:
* **Rottenness:** The literal decomposition of organic matter, particularly wood or bone. The Strong's definition specifically mentions "decay (by caries)," highlighting tooth decay as a precise example of this physical process.
* **Decay:** A more general term for deterioration, disintegration, or decomposition.
* **Figurative Usage:** Beyond the literal, râqâb is employed metaphorically to describe a profound internal corruption, moral decay, or a gradual, insidious deterioration that weakens and destroys from within. It implies a hidden, pervasive, and destructive influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term râqâb (`{{H7538}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both occurrences found in the book of Proverbs, where it is used metaphorically to describe the internal, destructive effects of negative influences or character traits.
1. **[[Proverbs 12:4]]:** "A virtuous wife is a crown to her husband, but she who brings shame is as rottenness in his bones."
* Here, râqâb vividly portrays the devastating impact of a disgraceful or shameful wife on her husband. The phrase "rottenness in his bones" signifies a deep-seated, internal, and debilitating decay. Bones, often representing strength, foundation, and the very core of one's being, are depicted as being consumed by this hidden "rottenness." This suggests not merely external disgrace but a profound, internal weakening and suffering, akin to a chronic, wasting disease. The decay is not superficial but penetrates to the very essence of the person, undermining their vitality and well-being.
2. **[[Proverbs 14:30]]:** "A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rotten."
* Again, râqâb is associated with "bones," emphasizing an internal, corrosive effect. In this context, "envy" (קִנְאָה, *qin'ah*, `{{H7068}}`) is identified as the cause of this decay. Envy, an insidious and destructive emotion, is depicted as literally rotting the very framework of a person's physical and emotional health. Just as physical decay weakens and destroys, so too does the internal bitterness of envy consume one's inner peace and vitality, leading to a state of profound spiritual and physical deterioration. The contrast with a "tranquil heart" (מַרְפֵּא לְבָב, *marpe' levav*, literally "healing of heart") highlights the life-giving nature of inner peace versus the death-dealing nature of envy.
In both instances, râqâb powerfully conveys a hidden, internal, and destructive process that undermines the very foundation of a person's well-being, whether originating from an external source (a shameful spouse) or an internal disposition (envy).
### Related Words & Concepts
* **râqab (`{{H7537}}`):** The verbal root from which râqâb is derived, meaning "to rot," "to decay," or "to become putrid." Understanding the active process of decomposition inherent in the verb illuminates the state or product described by the noun.
* **māq (מָק, `{{H4716}}`):** Another Hebrew word for "decay" or "rottenness," often implying putrefaction or festering. While sharing a semantic field, râqâb in its biblical usage carries a specific nuance of internal, bone-deep decay.
* **bāleh (בָּלֶה, `{{H1086}}`):** Signifies "worn out" or "decayed," typically referring to the dilapidation of objects or garments due to age and wear. This differs from râqâb, which implies a more active, destructive biological decomposition.
* **nābal (נָבַל, `{{H5034}}`):** Means "to fade," "to wither," or "to decay," often used for plant life. It can also be applied figuratively to moral decay or foolishness, sharing the concept of deterioration.
* **Moral and Spiritual Corruption:** The metaphorical application of râqâb aligns with broader biblical themes of moral and spiritual decline. Just as physical rottenness destroys the body, sin and unrighteousness are depicted as corrosive forces that destroy the soul and community. Concepts like "fading glory" or "withering righteousness" often carry similar undertones of internal decay.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of râqâb (`{{H7538}}`) is primarily derived from its metaphorical deployment within the wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs.
1. **The Internal Consequences of Sin and Unrighteousness:** The use of râqâb in Proverbs profoundly illustrates the internal, corrosive effects of sin and negative character traits. A "shameful wife" is not merely an external problem; her actions inflict a deep, "bone-deep" decay upon her husband. Similarly, "envy" is not merely an undesirable emotion but a destructive force that literally "rots the bones." This highlights a crucial theological truth: sin is not solely an external transgression against God's law but an internal, self-destructive force that undermines human flourishing and well-being. It speaks to the holistic impact of sin on one's physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality.
2. **Wisdom's Call to Inner Purity and Wholeness:** By vividly depicting the destructive nature of internal states like envy or the consequences of morally corrupt relationships, râqâb underscores wisdom's call for inner righteousness and a tranquil heart. The stark contrast in [[Proverbs 14:30]] between a "tranquil heart" (life-giving) and "envy" (bone-rotting) emphasizes that true vitality and well-being stem from an internal state of peace, virtue, and right relationship with God and others. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the heart as the wellspring of life ([[Proverbs 4:23]]).
3. **A Warning Against Spiritual Deterioration:** While not directly linked to explicit divine judgment, the concept of decay inherent in râqâb serves as a potent warning against spiritual and moral decline. The natural process of decomposition functions as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and moral deterioration that results from turning away from God and embracing destructive attitudes or behaviors. râqâb thus serves as a vivid caution against those internal conditions that lead to spiritual death and physical debilitation, ultimately separating one from the source of life and flourishing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word râqâb (`{{H7538}}`) literally means "rottenness" or "decay," stemming from the verb râqab (`{{H7537}}`), "to rot." Its two occurrences in Proverbs offer profound metaphorical insights into the destructive power of internal corruption. In [[Proverbs 12:4]], a shameful wife is depicted as "rottenness in his bones," illustrating the deep, debilitating decay she inflicts upon her husband. Similarly, [[Proverbs 14:30]] states that "envy makes the bones rotten," portraying how this corrosive internal emotion undermines one's very being. The term powerfully conveys a hidden, insidious, and destructive process that weakens and consumes from within. Theologically, râqâb underscores the severe, internal consequences of sin, negative character traits, and moral corruption. It serves as a stark warning within wisdom literature about the critical importance of inner virtue and a tranquil heart for true life and well-being. The word highlights that the effects of unrighteousness are not merely superficial but penetrate to the core of one's existence, leading to profound spiritual and even physical debilitation.
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