a primitive root; properly, to stamp, i.e. to spring about (wildly or for joy); dance, jump, leap, skip.
Transliteration:râqad
Pronunciation:raw-kad'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H7540}}` *râqad* is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental action of "to stamp" or "to spring about." Its semantic range encompasses vigorous, often uninhibited, physical movement. Primarily, it denotes a joyful, celebratory action, manifesting as "dancing," "jumping," "leaping," or "skipping." This aspect highlights an outward expression of an internal state of elation or exhilaration. However, the underlying sense of "stamping" can also imply a forceful, perhaps even agitated, movement, though this nuance is less prominent in its biblical occurrences. The word captures a dynamic, often vertical, motion that goes beyond mere walking or running, signifying a more expressive and demonstrative form of movement, whether in worship, celebration, or as a poetic description of nature's response to divine power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7540}}` *râqad* in the Hebrew Bible consistently illustrate its primary meaning of vigorous, often joyful, movement:
* In [[2 Samuel 6:16]], the word describes King David's fervent worship as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem. Michal, Saul's daughter, "saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord," and she despised him in her heart. This instance powerfully portrays *râqad* as an uninhibited, ecstatic expression of devotion and joy before God, even to the point of disregarding royal decorum.
* The Psalms employ *râqad* metaphorically to describe the response of creation to God's majestic power. In [[Psalm 29:6]], the mountains are depicted as "skipping like calves" under the might of the Lord's voice. Similarly, [[Psalm 114:4]] and [[Psalm 114:6]] describe the mountains and hills "skipping like rams" and "like lambs" during the Exodus, symbolizing the earth's trembling and dynamic response to God's awesome presence and deliverance. These uses underscore the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of divine power that causes even the inanimate world to move with intensity.
* [[Ecclesiastes 3:4]] lists "a time to mourn and a time to dance" as one of life's appointed seasons. Here, *râqad* stands in direct contrast to mourning, representing a time of joy, celebration, and release, affirming that physical expression of happiness is a natural and appropriate part of the human experience.
Across these contexts, *râqad* consistently denotes a powerful, often spontaneous, and deeply felt physical expression, whether of human devotion or the symbolic response of creation to the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Râqad* is one of several Hebrew words conveying movement, particularly dance or leaping, each with its own nuance.
* It differs from general terms for walking (e.g., *hâlak* `{{H1980}}`) or running (e.g., *rûts* `{{H7323}}`) by emphasizing a more vigorous, often vertical, and expressive motion.
* Other words for dance include *machol* `{{H4234}}` (a dance, often involving a company of dancers) and *chagag* `{{H2328}}` (to reel, dance, keep a feast, often in a circular motion). While *râqad* can be part of a dance, it emphasizes the individual's energetic "leaping" or "skipping" rather than the structured form of a dance.
* Words related to joy and celebration, such as *gil* `{{H1523}}` (to rejoice, shout for joy) or *samach* `{{H8055}}` (to rejoice, be glad), often find their physical manifestation in actions described by *râqad*. The act of *râqad* is frequently the physical embodiment of the inner state of *gil* or *samach*.
* While the base definition includes "to stamp," which could suggest trembling or agitation (cf. *ra'ad* `{{H7467}}` for trembling), the biblical usage of *râqad* strongly leans towards joyful or awe-filled movement rather than fear or distress. It is a movement of vitality and often exuberance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7540}}` *râqad* is profound, particularly in its depiction of worship and the divine-human relationship:
* **Uninhibited Worship:** David's dancing before the Ark exemplifies a form of worship that is unreserved, physical, and deeply personal. It challenges notions of rigid decorum, suggesting that genuine devotion can be expressed with unrestrained joy and passion, a "whole-person" response to God's presence and blessing. This act underscores the biblical emphasis on worship that engages the entire being – heart, soul, mind, and strength.
* **Response to Divine Power:** The poetic imagery of mountains "skipping" signifies the overwhelming and transformative power of God. It illustrates that even creation itself responds dynamically to the Creator's voice and presence, acknowledging His sovereignty and majesty. This highlights God's active involvement in the world and the profound impact of His redemptive acts.
* **Appropriateness of Joy:** The inclusion of "a time to dance" in Ecclesiastes affirms that joy and its physical expression are divinely ordained and appropriate aspects of human existence. It validates the expression of happiness and celebration as part of the rhythm of life, particularly in response to God's goodness and provision.
* **Authenticity vs. Propriety:** The tension between David's *râqad* and Michal's disdain serves as a theological lesson on the nature of authentic worship. It suggests that true devotion, characterized by humility and heartfelt joy, may sometimes appear undignified in the eyes of those who prioritize outward propriety over inner sincerity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7540}}` *râqad* describes a vigorous, often joyful, physical movement, encompassing "dancing," "jumping," "leaping," and "skipping." Its core meaning emphasizes an uninhibited, dynamic expression of internal states. In biblical contexts, *râqad* is primarily associated with fervent worship and celebration, as seen in King David's ecstatic dance before the Lord. It also serves as a powerful poetic metaphor for the earth's dynamic and awe-filled response to God's majestic power and redemptive acts, particularly during the Exodus. Theologically, *râqad* underscores the importance of whole-person, unreserved worship, validates the physical expression of joy, and illustrates the profound impact of divine presence on both humanity and creation. It reminds believers that true engagement with God can be characterized by an authentic, often exuberant, outpouring of the spirit.
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