רֶקֶם
𐤓𐤒𐤌
Reqem
H7552 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Reqem (רֶקֶם) is used as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible to denote both a place and individuals. As a place name, it refers to a location in the territory of Naphtali (Josh 19:37), and is also listed among Midianite towns (Num 31:8; Josh 13:21). As a personal name, Reqem appears for a Midianite king (Num 31:8) and a descendant of Caleb (1 Chr 2:43). The primary lexical meaning is thus a toponym or personal name with uncertain descriptive significance, potentially related—if at all—to the root meaning 'embroider, decorate' or 'variegate', but functioning exclusively in naming contexts in the biblical text. Its semantic range is limited to the naming function, either as a locality or an individual's name.
Semantic Range
proper name of a place, proper name of individuals; city; locality; personal name; Midianite leader; descendant of Caleb
Root / Etymology
The name רֶקֶם is etymologically connected to the root רקם (רָקַם), meaning 'to embroider, to variegate, to decorate with needlework'. However, as a proper noun, its precise relation to this root is uncertain, and it may simply be a traditional place or personal name without intended descriptive meaning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the narrative context, Reqem as a Midianite location (Num 31:8; Josh 13:21) or ruler reflects the cultural milieu of the Transjordan and southern Levant before and during the early monarchy. As a city of Naphtali, its inclusion in the territory lists likely refers to a settlement within the northern Israelite tribal lands. The personal name in 1 Chronicles may reflect broader naming patterns drawing on roots associated with craft or variegation, yet there is no direct evidence for a symbolic or descriptive function. English translations sometimes leave Reqem untranslated or render it as 'Rekem', and in older translations associated with 'Jew', 'Jewish', or later nomenclature, but the name itself is not ethnically or religiously marked in the biblical text. There is no evidence that Reqem ever developed distinctively religious connotations in the biblical period. The function of the name in the text is purely historical and geographical, not descriptive of character or appearance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָקַם; versi-color; Rekem, the name of a place in Palestine, also of a Midianite and an Israelite; Rekem.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רקם (r-q-m) — to embroider, to variegate, to decorate
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7552-03 |
וְ/רֶ֥קֶם | vereqem | HC/Np |
and Rekem | and Reqem | 3 |
H7552-01 |
רֶ֨קֶם֙ | reqem | HNp |
Rekem | Reqem | 2 |
H7552-02 |
וָ/רָֽקֶם | varaqem | HC/Np |
and Rakem | and Reqem | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7552-01 |
Numbers 31:8 | רֶ֨קֶם֙ | reqem | HNp |
Rekem | Reqem |
H7552-01 |
Joshua 13:21 | רֶ֨קֶם֙ | reqem | HNp |
Rekem | Reqem |
H7552-03 |
Joshua 18:27 | וְ/רֶ֥קֶם | vereqem | HC/Np |
and Rekem | and Reqem |
H7552-03 |
1 Chronicles 2:43 | וְ/רֶ֥קֶם | vereqem | HC/Np |
and Rekem | and Reqem |
H7552-03 |
1 Chronicles 2:44 | וְ/רֶ֖קֶם | vereqem | HC/Np |
And Rekem | and Reqem |
H7552-02 |
1 Chronicles 7:16 | וָ/רָֽקֶם | varaqem | HC/Np |
and Rakem | and Reqem |