### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râqîyq**, represented by `{{H7550}}`, refers to a **thin cake** or **wafer**. It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses**. Derived from a root meaning 'thin', this term consistently describes a specific type of unleavened bread prepared for sacred purposes, particularly in the context of offerings to the LORD.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical practice, `{{H7550}}` is consistently specified as an element within various offerings. These **wafers** are explicitly required to be **unleavened** and are often **anointed** with **oil** ([[Exodus 29:2]], [[Leviticus 2:4]]). They were included in the meat **offering** brought to the **priest** [[Leviticus 2:4]], the thanksgiving **sacrifice** [[Leviticus 7:12]], and as part of the ceremonial meal for a **Nazarite** completing a vow [[Numbers 6:19]]. These wafers were typically presented in a **basket** alongside other consecrated items before the **LORD** ([[Exodus 29:23]], [[Leviticus 8:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the context of these offerings:
* `{{H2471}}` **challâh** (a cake): This term for a punctured **cake** is frequently used alongside `{{H7550}}` to describe the different types of bread required for an offering. For example, both an unleavened **cake** and an unleavened **wafer** were part of the Nazarite's offering [[Numbers 6:19]].
* `{{H4682}}` **matstsâh** (unleavened): This word is almost always paired with `{{H7550}}`, specifying that the wafers must be **unleavened**, or made without yeast. This requirement was central to offerings and consecration ceremonies [[Exodus 29:2]].
* `{{H8081}}` **shemen** (oil): This word for **oil** is fundamental to the preparation of wafers. The wafers were specifically to be "anointed" with **oil**, a process that consecrated them for sacred use ([[Leviticus 2:4]], [[Numbers 6:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The ritual significance of `{{H7550}}` is tied to its specific preparation and use in worship.
* **Symbol of Purity:** As an **unleavened** (`matstsâh`) item, the `{{H7550}}` **wafer** represents a state of purity and separation from corruption, a requirement for offerings brought before a holy **God** [[Exodus 29:2]].
* **Element of Consecration:** The **wafers** were an integral part of consecration ceremonies. They were placed upon the hands of a **Nazarite** after his vow was completed, symbolizing his dedicated service [[Numbers 6:19]], and were used in the ordination of priests [[Leviticus 8:26]].
* **Act of Thanksgiving and Worship:** The inclusion of `{{H7550}}` in a thanksgiving **offering** (`tôwdâh`) highlights its role as a tangible expression of gratitude and worship toward the **LORD** [[Leviticus 7:12]]. The preparation itself was an act of devotion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7550}}` designates more than a simple piece of flatbread. It is a precisely defined element of Israelite worship, a **thin cake** that must be **unleavened** and **anointed** with **oil**. Its consistent appearance in the context of sacrifices, priestly duties, and vows like the **Nazarite**'s shows its importance in acts of consecration and thanksgiving. The **râqîyq** demonstrates how a common food item was set apart for a holy purpose, illustrating the detailed nature of approaching the **LORD**.
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