Lexical Summary raqqah: Temple (of the head) Original Word: רַקָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance temple Feminine of raq; properly, thinness, i.e. The side of the head -- temple. see HEBREW raq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as raq Definition the temple (part of the head) NASB Translation temple (3), temples (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רַקָּה noun feminine the temple (of the head): Judges 4:21 וַתִּתְקַע הַיָּתֵד בְּרַקָּתוֺ, Judges 4:22; Judges 5:26 וּמָֽחְצָה וְחָֽלְפָה רִקָּתוֺ, Songs 4:3 = Songs 6:7 כְּפֶלַח הָרִמּוֺן רִקָּתֵךְ. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of the TermThe Hebrew noun רַקָּה designates the “temple” of the head—the thin, vulnerable region between the eye and the ear. In Scripture it is never used figuratively for an entire head or mind, but specifically for this delicate anatomical spot. Because of its fragility, the term carries connotations of both danger and tenderness, depending on context. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Judges 4:21 These five passages fall naturally into two clusters: the Deborah-Barak narrative (Judges 4–5) and the love poetry of Song of Solomon. The former portrays the temple as a point of fatal vulnerability; the latter, as an alluring aspect of feminine beauty. Contextual Analysis in Historical Narrative (Judges 4–5) The account of Jael and Sisera gives the term its starkest depiction. When Sisera flees after the rout of his army, he seeks refuge in Jael’s tent. While he sleeps, Jael “drove the peg through his temple into the ground, and he died” (Judges 4:21). The narrative underscores the ease with which a single blow to the temple can bring down even the mightiest of commanders. Judges 5:26 revisits the scene in Deborah’s victory song, turning Jael’s act into a theological declaration: the LORD delivers His people and crushes His foes by unexpected means. The physical fragility of the temple becomes an emblem of the inevitable downfall of those who oppose God. Symbolic and Poetic Usage (Song of Solomon 4:3; 6:7) In the Song of Solomon, the same body part is extolled: “Your temples behind your veil are like a slice of pomegranate” (Song of Solomon 4:3). Again in 6:7 the comparison is repeated. The pomegranate’s rich color and nourishing seeds suggest vitality, modesty, and fruitfulness. The beloved’s temples—partially hidden yet visible—symbolize intimate beauty reserved for covenant love. Thus, what is lethal in Judges becomes lovely in the Song, highlighting Scripture’s capacity to employ a single image to communicate both judgment and joy. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Weakness Sisera’s downfall through a blow to the temple illustrates how God overturns human strength (Psalm 33:16-17). The most fortified warrior remains susceptible because “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). 2. The Dignity of Women in God’s Purposes Jael’s deed demonstrates that God may use anyone—regardless of gender or social status—to accomplish deliverance (Judges 4:9). Her courageous act anticipates later examples of women whose obedience advances God’s redemptive plans (Matthew 1:5). 3. Covenant Love and Modesty The Song’s portrayal of the temples behind a veil reinforces biblical modesty: beauty thrives in the security of covenant commitment. Pastoral ministry can use this imagery to teach young believers about the sanctity of marriage and the appropriate context for physical admiration (Hebrews 13:4). 4. Spiritual Warfare Imagery The temple, as a point of fatal weakness, provides a vivid metaphor for guarding one’s vulnerabilities against spiritual attack (Ephesians 6:10-18). Just as a single unguarded spot ends Sisera’s life, a single unconfessed sin can undermine a believer’s effectiveness. Practical Applications for Believers • Trust God’s strategies even when they appear unconventional; He delights in using “the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Select Cross-References • Psalm 18:34 – God equips the faithful for battle, yet victory remains His gift. Summary רַקָּה serves as a small yet profound signpost in Scripture. Whether as the site of decisive judgment against Israel’s oppressor or as the touchpoint of covenant affection, the temple reminds readers that God works through what is fragile to display His power and love. Forms and Transliterations בְּרַקָּת֔וֹ בְּרַקָּתֽוֹ׃ ברקתו ברקתו׃ רַקָּתֵ֔ךְ רַקָּתֽוֹ׃ רקתו׃ רקתך bə·raq·qā·ṯōw berakkaTo bəraqqāṯōw rakkaTech rakkaTo raq·qā·ṯêḵ raq·qā·ṯōw raqqāṯêḵ raqqāṯōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 4:21 HEB: אֶת־ הַיָּתֵד֙ בְּרַקָּת֔וֹ וַתִּצְנַ֖ח בָּאָ֑רֶץ NAS: the peg into his temple, and it went through KJV: the nail into his temples, and fastened INT: and drove the peg his temple went the ground Judges 4:22 Judges 5:26 Songs 4:3 Songs 6:7 5 Occurrences |
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