### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râqam**, represented by `{{H7551}}`, is a primitive root that means to **variegate color**, or **embroider**. It appears **9 times** in **9 unique verses**. By implication, it can also mean to fabricate and is translated as **embroiderer**, **needlework**, or to be **curiously work**ed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H7551}}` is predominantly used to describe the highly skilled work required for the Tabernacle. It details the creation of items like the hanging for the door of the tent `{{H168}}`, made of blue `{{H8504}}`, purple `{{H713}}`, scarlet `{{H8438}}`, and fine twined linen `{{H8336}}` [[Exodus 26:36]]. This work was performed by specific, divinely gifted artisans, such as **Aholiab** `{{H171}}` of the tribe of Dan `{{H1835}}`, who is identified as an **embroiderer** [[Exodus 38:23]]. Beyond its literal use, the word takes on a profound metaphorical meaning in Psalms, where David describes his formation as being "**curiously wrought**" `{{H7551}}` in secret `{{H5643}}`, illustrating God's intricate work in creating human life [[Psalms 139:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of skilled fabrication and artistic design:
* `{{H2796}}` **chârâsh** (engraver, craftsman): This term appears alongside **embroiderer** `{{H7551}}` to describe the team of artisans God filled `{{H4390}}` with wisdom `{{H2451}}` to build the Tabernacle, showing that embroidery was one of several key crafts [[Exodus 35:35]].
* `{{H2803}}` **châshab** (to devise, cunning workman): Often translated as "cunning workman," this word highlights the creativity and mental effort involved in the fabrication process. It is used to describe both the artisans and the work they devised `{{H2803}}` alongside the **embroiderer** `{{H7551}}` [[Exodus 35:35]].
* `{{H4639}}` **maʻăseh** (work, deed, needlework): This word is frequently joined with `râqam` to form the phrase "work of needlework" or "wrought with needlework," specifying the tangible product of the embroiderer's skill, such as the girdle `{{H73}}` for the priests [[Exodus 28:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7551}}` is significant, highlighting both divine provision and creative power.
* **Skill in Worship**: The use of `{{H7551}}` in the Tabernacle accounts demonstrates that detailed, beautiful craftsmanship is a form of worship. God himself **filled** `{{H4390}}` the artisans with **wisdom** `{{H2451}}` of **heart** `{{H3820}}` to perform this work, sanctifying their skills for His holy purpose [[Exodus 35:35]].
* **Metaphor for Divine Creation**: The most powerful theological application is in [[Psalms 139:15]], where being "**curiously wrought**" `{{H7551}}` becomes a metaphor for God's creation of a person. It portrays God as an intimate, master artisan who intricately "embroiders" each human life with purpose and complexity.
* **God-Given Purpose**: By identifying specific individuals like **Aholiab** `{{H171}}` as an **embroiderer** `{{H7551}}`, scripture shows that God equips people with unique talents to fulfill his commands `{{H6680}}` ([[Exodus 38:23]], [[Exodus 39:29]]). This highlights that individual abilities are divine gifts intended to contribute to the larger work of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7551}}` moves from a literal craft to a profound theological concept. It denotes the exquisite, multicolored **needlework** used to adorn God's Tabernacle, a skill directly imparted by God for His service [[Exodus 38:23]]. More deeply, it serves as a beautiful metaphor for the way God personally and intricately fabricates human life, as when a person is "**curiously wrought**" in the womb [[Psalms 139:15]]. The word **râqam** illustrates how a physical craft can reflect the divine artistry of the Creator.
TRV