from, רָקַק in its original sense; a thin cake; cake, wafer.
Transliteration:râqîyq
Pronunciation:raw-keek'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רָקִיק (râqîyq, `{{H7550}}`) denotes a "thin cake" or "wafer." Its etymology traces back to the root רָקַק (râqaq), which, in its original sense, conveys the idea of flattening, spreading out, or making thin. While the verb רָקַק (râqaq, `{{H7551}}`) later developed a primary meaning of "to spit," the noun רָקִיק retains the earlier, more fundamental sense of something that has been made thin or pressed flat. This inherent thinness is a defining characteristic, differentiating it from thicker loaves or cakes. It implies a delicate, often unleavened, form of baked good, specifically prepared for sacred purposes in the biblical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רָקִיק (râqîyq, `{{H7550}}`) occurs exclusively within the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Its usage is consistently tied to the sacrificial system and priestly rituals, highlighting its sacred function.
1. **Priestly Ordination:** In [[Exodus 29:2]] and [[Exodus 29:23]], רָקִיק is an integral part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. It is described as "unleavened wafers anointed with oil," taken from a basket of unleavened bread. This wafer, along with a ram and other elements, is waved before the Lord as a wave offering, signifying the priests' dedication and the sacredness of their office.
2. **Grain Offerings (Minchah):** [[Leviticus 2:4]] specifies רָקִיק as a permissible form for the grain offering. It must be "unleavened wafers anointed with oil," emphasizing purity and consecration. This type of offering was a voluntary act of worship, expressing devotion and thanksgiving to God.
3. **Peace Offerings (Shelamim):** In [[Leviticus 7:12]], רָקִיק again appears as part of the peace offering, specifically "unleavened wafers anointed with oil." The peace offering was unique in that portions were eaten by the offerer, the priest, and God (via the altar), symbolizing fellowship and communion.
4. **Nazirite Vow:** [[Numbers 6:15]] and [[Numbers 6:19]] mention רָקִיק as part of the offerings required at the completion of a Nazirite vow. The Nazirite, having separated themselves to the Lord for a period, presented "unleavened wafers anointed with oil" as part of their concluding sacrifice, signifying the culmination of their consecrated period.
Across these occurrences, the consistent accompanying description of "unleavened" (מַצּוֹת, `{{H4682}}`) and "anointed with oil" (שֶׁמֶן, `{{H8081}}`) underscores the purity, consecration, and sacred purpose of these wafers. They are not common food items but specific, ritually prepared elements within Israel's worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of רָקִיק (râqîyq, `{{H7550}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **רָקַק (râqaq, `{{H7551}}`):** The verbal root from which רָקִיק is derived. While רָקַק primarily means "to spit" in most biblical contexts, the definition of רָקִיק explicitly states its derivation from רָקַק "in its original sense," referring to the act of flattening or making thin. This highlights a semantic shift in the verb over time, while the noun preserves an older meaning.
* **מַצּוֹת (matstsot, `{{H4682}}`):** Unleavened bread. רָקִיק is almost invariably described as "unleavened wafers." The absence of leaven (שְׂאֹר, `{{H7603}}`) consistently symbolizes purity, haste (as in the Exodus), and the absence of corruption or sin in biblical typology.
* **חַלּוֹת (challot, `{{H2471}}`):** Cakes, often used in conjunction with רָקִיק in descriptions of offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:4]]). חַלּוֹת are generally thicker cakes, while רָקִיק specifically denotes thin wafers.
* **שֶׁמֶן (shemen, `{{H8081}}`):** Oil. The wafers are consistently "anointed with oil," signifying consecration, the presence of the Holy Spirit (in later theological development), and dedication to God.
* **לֶחֶם (lechem, `{{H3899}}`):** Bread, a broader term encompassing various forms of sustenance. רָקִיק is a specific type of bread prepared for sacred purposes.
* **Concepts:** The term is intimately linked with concepts of *sacrifice*, *purity*, *consecration*, *ordination*, *vows*, and *communion* with God within the Levitical system.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of רָקִיק (râqîyq, `{{H7550}}`) stems from its exclusive use within the sacred sphere of Israelite worship.
1. **Symbol of Purity and Dedication:** The consistent description as "unleavened" (matzah) is paramount. Leaven often symbolized corruption or sin in ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought. Thus, the unleavened wafer represents a pure offering, untainted by sin, wholly dedicated to God. Its thinness might further emphasize simplicity, humility, and the complete giving of oneself or one's substance.
2. **Sacredness of Offerings:** Râqîyq is never presented as common food but always as part of an offering to YHWH. This elevates it to a sacred status, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. Its inclusion in priestly ordination rites underscores the sanctity of the priesthood and the meticulousness required in their service.
3. **Communion and Sustenance:** In peace offerings, where the offerer and priests partook of the sacrifice, the רָקִיק (along with other elements) symbolized fellowship with God. For the priests, these offerings also served as their sustenance, illustrating God's provision for those dedicated to His service.
4. **Fulfillment in Christ (Typological Hint):** While not explicitly referenced in the New Testament, the Old Testament sacrificial system, including elements like רָקִיק, often serves as a type or shadow pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The purity and unleavened nature of the wafer can be seen as foreshadowing Christ's sinless life and perfect offering. His body, broken for us, becomes the true "bread of life" ([[John 6:35]]), a perfect and complete offering that fulfills the essence of all Old Testament sacrifices.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָקִיק (râqîyq, `{{H7550}}`) refers to a "thin cake" or "wafer," derived from a root meaning "to flatten." Its biblical occurrences are exclusively within the context of the Mosaic sacrificial system, where it consistently appears as an "unleavened wafer anointed with oil." This specific form of bread played a vital role in priestly ordination, grain offerings, peace offerings, and Nazirite vow completions. Theologically, רָקִיק powerfully symbolizes purity, dedication, and the sacred nature of worship and service to YHWH. Its consistent use in offerings underscores the meticulousness, holiness, and complete consecration required in approaching God, foreshadowing the perfect and pure offering found in Christ.
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