רָפַק
𐤓𐤐𐤒
râphaq
H7514 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To stretch oneself out or lie extended, especially in a position of rest or repose. In context, may refer to reclining, lying down, or leaning back, typically for comfort, sleep, or refreshment. The action emphasizes a physical posture involving relaxation or disengagement from upright activity.
Semantic Range
to recline, to stretch oneself out for rest, to lie extended, to lean back, to collapse from exhaustion
Root / Etymology
Root: רפק. The root meaning is 'to spread out, stretch out.' The verb רָפַק is attested in Biblical Hebrew in a single occurrence and is considered a rare or archaic term. Its derivation appears to express the idea of extending oneself or reclining, although the semantic evidence is limited and the root does not present cognates in other Semitic languages; thus, its etymology is somewhat uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָפַק occurs only in Song of Songs 2:5, where it describes a posture of lying down or reclining, possibly due to physical faintness or emotional overwhelm. The image is of someone needing to rest or be supported. This rare term is contrasted with more common verbs such as שָׁכַב (to lie down), which refers broadly to the act of lying, whether for sleep, rest, or sexual intimacy, and סָמַךְ (to support, to lean upon), which more often refers to active support rather than reclining passively. English translations sometimes narrow the meaning to 'faint' or 'collapse,' but the primary lexical sense concerns the reclining or stretched-out posture that results from exhaustion or emotional state. The word's usage is limited to the poetic/love song context, and does not reflect technical or ritual reclining practices found in later periods or cultures. There is no evidence of shift in meaning across periods, as the root is otherwise unattested outside this passage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to recline; lean.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רפק (r-p-q) — to spread out, to stretch oneself, to recline, to lie extended
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7514-01 |
מִתְרַפֶּ֖קֶת | miterapeqet | HVtrfsa |
leaning | the one stretching herself out | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7514-01 |
Song of Songs 8:5 | מִתְרַפֶּ֖קֶת | miterapeqet | HVtrfsa |
leaning | the one stretching herself out |