feminine of רַק; properly, thinness, i.e. the side of the head; temple.
Transliteration:raqqâh
Pronunciation:rak-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun raqqâh (`{{H7541}}`) denotes the "temple" of the head, specifically the thin, flat part on either side of the forehead, above the cheekbone. It is the feminine form of the root raq (`{{H7540}}`), which signifies "thinness," "emptiness," or "only." This etymological connection to "thinness" is crucial, as it likely refers to the relatively delicate bone structure of the skull at this particular point, making it a vulnerable area. Thus, raqqâh inherently carries the connotation of a fragile or susceptible part of the human anatomy. Its semantic range is quite narrow, exclusively referring to this specific anatomical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word raqqâh (`{{H7541}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, presenting a striking duality in its contextual usage:
1. **[[Judges 4:21]]**: "Then Jael Heber’s wife took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple (`{{H7541}}`), and it went down into the ground; for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died."
* Here, raqqâh is presented as the precise, fatal target in Jael's decisive act against Sisera, the commander of Jabin's army. The choice of this vulnerable point underscores the immediate and definitive nature of the blow, leading to Sisera's instantaneous death. The context is one of divine deliverance through an unexpected agent, highlighting the fragility of even a formidable warrior.
2. **[[Judges 5:26]]**: "She put her hand to the tent peg, and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer; and she struck Sisera, she crushed his head; she shattered and pierced his temple (`{{H7541}}`)."
* This verse, part of the Song of Deborah, poetically recounts the same event, emphasizing the brutal efficacy of Jael's action. The parallelism with "head" (ro'sh, `{{H7218}}`) and the verbs "crushed" and "shattered" further accentuate the destructive force applied to the raqqâh, cementing its association with a point of fatal weakness.
3. **[[Song of Solomon 4:3]]**: "Your temples (`{{H7541}}`) are like a piece of pomegranate behind your veil."
* In stark contrast to the violent depictions in Judges, raqqâh here is used in a context of profound beauty and aesthetic appreciation. The beloved's temples are likened to a "piece of pomegranate," suggesting a delicate, flushed, or perhaps veiled beauty. This imagery evokes softness, color, and a captivating allure, far removed from vulnerability or death.
4. **[[Song of Solomon 6:7]]**: "Your temples (`{{H7541}}`) are like a piece of pomegranate behind your veil."
* This verse repeats the exact same description as [[Song of Solomon 4:3]], reinforcing the beloved's exquisite beauty and the captivating nature of her appearance. The repetition underscores the significance of this feature in the poetic portrayal of attraction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for raqqâh (`{{H7541}}`) is to its root:
* **raq (`{{H7540}}`):** This adjective means "thin," "lean," "empty," or "only." The derivation of raqqâh from this root clearly emphasizes the anatomical "thinness" or delicacy of the temple area, which makes it particularly susceptible to injury.
Other related concepts, though not direct linguistic derivations, include:
* **ro'sh (`{{H7218}}`):** "Head." The temple is a specific, vital part of the head, which in biblical thought often represents leadership, intellect, or the very seat of life.
* **gulgoleth (`{{H1538}}`):** "Skull" or "head." While raqqâh is more specific, it refers to a part of the skull.
* **Vulnerability:** The usage in Judges highlights the concept of human vulnerability and mortality, especially in contrast to terms for strength or invincibility.
* **Beauty and Adornment:** The usage in Song of Solomon places raqqâh within the lexicon of physical beauty and aesthetic description, often alongside other features like eyes, hair, or lips.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of raqqâh (`{{H7541}}`) in the biblical narrative offers profound theological insights:
1. **Divine Judgment and Deliverance:** In the book of Judges, the striking of Sisera's raqqâh is not merely a human act of violence but a divinely orchestrated moment of judgment and deliverance. God uses an unexpected and seemingly weak instrument (Jael, a woman, using a tent peg) to bring down a powerful oppressor. The vulnerability of the raqqâh underscores the swift and decisive nature of God's justice; no matter how mighty a human foe, they are ultimately fragile before the sovereign will of God. This act serves as a testament to God's ability to achieve His purposes through unconventional means, highlighting His power over human strength and pride.
2. **Human Fragility and Mortality:** The raqqâh serves as a stark anatomical reminder of human vulnerability and mortality. Even the most formidable warrior, like Sisera, possesses a point of weakness that can lead to his demise. This speaks to the transient nature of human life and power, reinforcing the biblical theme that "all flesh is grass" ([[Isaiah 40:6]]). It underscores the ultimate sovereignty of God over life and death, and the futility of human arrogance when confronted with divine decree.
3. **Beauty and the Created Order:** In the Song of Solomon, the raqqâh is transformed from a site of destruction into an object of exquisite beauty. This shift in perspective illustrates the multifaceted nature of God's creation. The same anatomical feature, designed with inherent delicacy, can be seen as a point of fatal weakness or as a source of captivating allure. This highlights the intricate and beautiful design of the human form, capable of both strength and delicate charm, reflecting the artistry of the Creator. It also suggests that even seemingly vulnerable parts of the body contribute to the overall beauty and wonder of the human person, made in God's image.
### Summary
The Hebrew word raqqâh (`{{H7541}}`) refers to the "temple" of the head, a term rooted in the concept of "thinness" (from raq, `{{H7540}}`), signifying its anatomical delicacy. Its biblical occurrences present a compelling duality: in [[Judges 4:21]] and [[Judges 5:26]], raqqâh is the precise, vulnerable target through which Jael delivers a fatal blow to Sisera, symbolizing divine judgment and unexpected deliverance. Conversely, in [[Song of Solomon 4:3]] and [[Song of Solomon 6:7]], it is described as being "like a piece of pomegranate," contributing to the beloved's delicate beauty and allure. Theologically, raqqâh underscores both the profound vulnerability of humanity in the face of divine sovereignty and the intricate, multifaceted beauty of God's creation, capable of embodying both fragility and charm.
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