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רַקָּה

𐤓𐤒𐤄

raqqâh

H7541 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A specific anatomical term referring to the side of the head, particularly the area known as the temple—the relatively thin, vulnerable region between the forehead and ear. In biblical contexts, 'raqqâh' denotes the temple as a physiological feature that can be associated with fragility or vulnerability, especially in the context of trauma to the head.

Semantic Range

side of the head, temple; anatomical region between forehead and ear, site of vulnerability

Root / Etymology

From the root רָקַק (ר-ק-ק), which conveys the sense of being thin, soft, or tender. The word 'רַקָּה' is a feminine noun formed from this root, signifying the thin or tender part of the head. Despite its morphological connection to the root, the lexical meaning is anatomically specific rather than a general adjective meaning 'thin.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term 'רַקָּה' appears primarily in contexts describing injury or anatomical description (e.g., Judges 4:21—Jael strikes Sisera on the temple). Its usage is technical and precise, reflecting awareness of the anatomical vulnerability of this area. Other Hebrew terms for parts of the head (e.g., גֻּלְגֹּלֶת 'skull', פָּנִים 'face') are more general or refer to different aspects of cranial anatomy; 'רַקָּה' most specifically denotes the temple. There is no broader metaphoric or idiomatic use attested in biblical Hebrew. English translations generally capture the physical referent ('temple'), but may not fully convey the connotation of fragility or exposure inherent in the original context. The term does not develop new or expanded meanings in later biblical or post-biblical usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "temple" 5 occurrences

'Temple' is the standard, natural English noun for the anatomical side of the head (the area between forehead and ear). It matches the majority of existing renderings and easily covers singular/plural forms while conveying the typical sense of vulnerability in biblical contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of רַק; properly, thinness, i.e. the side of the head; temple.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

רקק (r-q-q) — thinness, softness, tenderness

Root רקק to be thin, to be soft, to be tender
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H7534 רַק thin (feminine plural)
H7536 רֹק spittle
H7542 רַקּוֹן and the Lean-Place
H7550 רָקִיק and thin wafer of
H7556 רָקַק he will spit

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H7541-02 רַקָּתֵ֔/ךְ raqatekhe HNcfsc/Sp2fs your temples your temple your temples 2
H7541-01 בְּ/רַקָּת֔/וֹ beraqato HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in-his-temple in his temple in his temple 2
H7541-03 רַקָּתֽ/וֹ raqato HNcfsc/Sp3ms his temple his thin temple his temple 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H7541-01 Judges 4:21 בְּ/רַקָּת֔/וֹ beraqato HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms into his temple in his temple in his temple
H7541-01 Judges 4:22 בְּ/רַקָּתֽ/וֹ beraqato HR/Ncfsc/Sp3ms in-his-temple in his temple in his temple
H7541-03 Judges 5:26 רַקָּתֽ/וֹ raqato HNcfsc/Sp3ms his temple his thin temple his temple
H7541-02 Song of Songs 4:3 רַקָּתֵ֔/ךְ raqatekhe HNcfsc/Sp2fs your temples your temple your temples
H7541-02 Song of Songs 6:7 רַקָּתֵ֔/ךְ raqatekhe HNcfsc/Sp2fs your temples your temple your temples
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