### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râqad**, represented by `{{H7540}}`, is a primitive root meaning to stamp, spring about, dance, jump, leap, or skip. It conveys a sense of vigorous, often joyful or wild, movement. This term appears **9 times** in **9 unique verses**, illustrating its use in a variety of contexts, from human celebration to poetic descriptions of nature and warfare.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7540}}` describes both literal and figurative action. It is famously used to portray King David **dancing** and playing as the ark of the covenant entered Jerusalem [[1 Chronicles 15:29]]. The word also captures the simple joy of children who **dance** [[Job 21:11]] and is presented as a fundamental part of the human experience in the phrase "a time to **dance**" [[Ecclesiastes 3:4]]. Figuratively, it personifies nature's response to God's power, as mountains **skipped** like rams ([[Psalms 114:4]], [[Psalms 114:6]]) and **skip** like a calf [[Psalms 29:6]]. In a more ominous tone, it depicts the chaotic movement of **jumping** chariots in battle ([[Nahum 3:2]], [[Joel 2:5]]) and the unnatural activity of satyrs that shall **dance** in a desolate land [[Isaiah 13:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H7540}}` is used:
* `{{H1725}}` **dâhar** (to curvet or move irregularly; pause): This word appears alongside **râqad** in a description of warfare, referring to "pransing horses" and "**jumping** chariots" [[Nahum 3:2]], linking both terms to the chaotic motion of battle.
* `{{H7832}}` **sâchaq** (to laugh, play, make merry, rejoice): This term is often paired with **râqad** to emphasize joyous celebration. King David was seen "**dancing** `{{H7540}}` and playing `{{H7832}}`" [[1 Chronicles 15:29]], and Ecclesiastes pairs "a time to laugh `{{H7832}}`" with "a time to **dance** `{{H7540}}`" [[Ecclesiastes 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H7540}}` is seen in its diverse applications, highlighting different themes.
* **Joyful Worship and Celebration:** The word is a physical manifestation of joy and worship. David’s unrestrained **dance** before the ark is a powerful expression of religious fervor [[1 Chronicles 15:29]]. It is also positioned as a natural and appropriate response to happy times [[Ecclesiastes 3:4]].
* **The Power of God in Creation:** Nature itself is described as responding with dynamic energy to God's presence. Mountains and hills **skip** and **leap**, personifying the immense power that can move even the foundations of the earth ([[Psalms 29:6]], [[Psalms 114:4]], [[Psalms 114:6]]).
* **Chaos and Judgment:** In prophetic contexts, the word describes the powerful and unsettling movements associated with divine judgment. The **leaping** of war chariots signifies an invading force [[Joel 2:5]], while the **dancing** of satyrs in a ruined city depicts a place given over to desolation [[Isaiah 13:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7540}}` is a dynamic word that signifies energetic movement. It is not limited to a single meaning but is used to express a wide spectrum of ideas, from the uninhibited joy of human worship and play to the awesome, and sometimes terrifying, power of God as reflected in both nature and judgment. The word's usage demonstrates how a physical action can convey profound spiritual and poetic truths.