### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word רֹקַח (rôqach, `{{H7545}}`) is derived from the verbal root רָקַח (rāqaḥ, `{{H7543}}`), which signifies "to compound," "to mix spices," or "to perfume." As a noun, rôqach refers to the *product* of this compounding process. Its core meaning encompasses an "aromatic compound," "perfume," or "ointment." The term implies a carefully prepared mixture of various fragrant ingredients, emphasizing the skill and precision involved in its creation. Its semantic range is thus narrow, focusing on a specific type of prepared fragrant substance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of רֹקַח (rôqach, `{{H7545}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are notably confined to the book of Exodus, specifically within the instructions for the Tabernacle and its sacred rituals.
* In [[Exodus 30:25]], rôqach refers to the "holy anointing oil" (שֶׁמֶן מִשְׁחַת קֹדֶשׁ). The text states, "And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil, a compound (רֹקַח) blended as by a perfumer (רֹקֵחַ), a holy anointing oil it shall be." Here, rôqach designates the finished, sacred oil, highlighting its composition as a crafted blend.
* Similarly, in [[Exodus 30:35]], rôqach describes the "holy incense" (קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים). "And you shall make of it incense, a compound (רֹקַח), a work of a perfumer (רֹקֵחַ), seasoned with salt, pure, holy." Again, rôqach emphasizes the prepared, blended nature of the incense, which was to be pure and consecrated for divine use.
These two occurrences are critical, as they establish rôqach exclusively within the realm of sacred, divinely prescribed items for worship. The precise formulation of these compounds was commanded by God, underscoring their unique status.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words are closely associated with רֹקַח (rôqach, `{{H7545}}`), illuminating its meaning and context:
* **רָקַח (rāqaḥ, `{{H7543}}`):** The verbal root from which rôqach is derived, meaning "to compound," "to mix spices," or "to perfume." rôqach is the direct result of this action.
* **רֹקֵחַ (rôqēaḥ, `{{H7544}}`):** The masculine noun for "perfumer" or "apothecary," the skilled artisan who compounds the rôqach. This individual is explicitly mentioned in [[Exodus 30:25]] and [[Exodus 30:35]] as the one responsible for preparing the sacred oil and incense.
* **מִרְקַחַת (mirqaḥath, `{{H4843}}`):** Another noun meaning "ointment" or "perfume," often specifically a "compound of spices." In [[Exodus 30:25]], it appears in apposition to rôqach (רֹקַח מִרְקַחַת), indicating a "compound, a mixture," further emphasizing the blended nature of the holy oil.
* **מִשְׁחָה (mishchah, `{{H4888}}`):** "Anointing" or "anointing oil." The rôqach of the holy anointing oil was central to the act of consecration.
* **קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, `{{H6999}}`):** "Incense." The rôqach of the holy incense was offered to God as a pleasing aroma.
* **סַמִּים (sammîm, `{{H5561}}`):** "Spices" or "aromatic substances," the raw ingredients from which the rôqach was made.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רֹקַח (rôqach, `{{H7545}}`) is profound, stemming entirely from its exclusive application to the most holy elements of Israelite worship: the sacred anointing oil and the holy incense.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The primary theological import of rôqach lies in its designation of substances that were "most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים) and set apart for God alone. The anointing oil, a rôqach, consecrated the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, marking them as dedicated to divine service. The incense, also a rôqach, ascended to God, symbolizing prayer and pleasing worship.
* **Divine Prescription and Obedience:** The detailed divine instructions for the ingredients and preparation of these rôqach compounds ([[Exodus 30:23-25, 34-35]]) highlight God's meticulousness and His demand for precise obedience in worship. This underscores that true worship is not humanly devised but divinely revealed. The "pure, holy" nature of the incense rôqach ([[Exodus 30:35]]) further emphasizes the purity required in approaching a holy God.
* **Exclusivity and Reverence:** The severe prohibition against imitating these sacred rôqach compounds or using them for common purposes ([[Exodus 30:32-33, 37-38]]) underscores the absolute exclusivity of God's holiness. It instilled in Israel a deep sense of reverence, teaching them that divine things are not to be profaned or treated lightly.
* **Symbol of God's Presence and Acceptance:** The ascending smoke of the incense rôqach represented the prayers of God's people rising to Him, and its pleasing aroma symbolized God's acceptance. The anointing oil, through its consecrating power, symbolized the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals and objects for sacred use.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רֹקַח (rôqach, `{{H7545}}`) denotes an "aromatic compound," "perfume," or "ointment," specifically a skillfully prepared blend. While its base meaning is simply a prepared fragrant substance, its biblical usage elevates it to a term of immense theological significance. Exclusively found in [[Exodus 30:25]] and [[Exodus 30:35]], rôqach refers solely to the divinely prescribed "holy anointing oil" and "holy incense" for the Tabernacle. This narrow and sacred context imbues rôqach with connotations of holiness, divine prescription, and absolute purity. It symbolizes God's consecrated presence, His acceptance of worship, and the strict reverence demanded in approaching Him, underscoring that the elements of divine service are uniquely set apart and not to be profaned.
TRV