Original Word: רָקַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: raqam
Pronunciation: rah-KAM
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-kam')
KJV: embroiderer, needlework, curiously work
NASB: weaver, embroiderer, skillfully wrought
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to variegate color, i.e. embroider
2. (by implication) to fabricate

embroiderer, needlework, curiously work

A primitive root; to variegate color, i.e. Embroider; by implication, to fabricate -- embroiderer, needlework, curiously work.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to variegate
NASB Translation
embroiderer (1), skillfully wrought (1), weaver (7).

[רָקַם] verb variegate (Late Hebrew id.; so Arabic , Ethiopic , compare ᵑ7 רְקָם, רִקְמָתָא variegated cloth or skin, Syriac freckles); —

Qal Participle active רֹקֵם, as substantive variegator, worker (weaver) in colours, with ב mater. Exodus 38:23, ׳מְלֶאכֶת חָרָשׁ וְחשֵׁב וְר Exodus 35:35; especially ׳מַעֲשֵׂה ר variegator's work Exodus 26:69; Exodus 27:16; Exodus 28:39 = Exodus 36:37; Exodus 38:18; Exodus 39:29 (all P; all with mater. except Exodus 28:39).

Pu`al Perfect1singular רֻקַּמְתִּי Psalm 139:15 I was skilfully wrought (woven, "" סכד Psalm 139:13).

Artisan Embroidery in the Tabernacle

Exodus 26:36 introduces the first use of רָקַם: “You are to make a screen of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen, the work of an embroiderer.” The same decorative weaving marks the courtyard gate (Exodus 27:16), the inner entrance (Exodus 36:37), and the court screen (Exodus 38:18). Embroidery, therefore, frames every threshold of the divine dwelling. The four colors—blue, purple, scarlet, and white—visually proclaim heavenly authority, royal majesty, sacrificial atonement, and purity, converging in the promised Messiah.

Spirit-Bestowed Skill

Exodus 35:35 states, “He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers—designers of every craft.” The artistry of רָקַם is not merely human aptitude; it is Spirit-inspired craftsmanship. In ministry today, creative gifts likewise originate from God and are intended for His glory and the edification of His people.

Priestly Vesture and Consecration

The embroidered sash of Exodus 28:39 set Aaron apart: “You are to weave the tunic of fine linen, make the turban of fine linen, and fashion an embroidered sash.” Precision needlework became a sign of holiness. This anticipates the believer’s call to be “clothed with Christ” (Romans 13:14)—a righteousness woven for us, not by us.

Collaborative Craftsmanship

Exodus 38:23 names Oholiab as “an engraver, a designer, and an embroiderer.” Embroidery joined wood, metal, and stone work in a unified project. True worship welcomes diverse skills in coordinated service, reflecting the many-membered body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Embroidery in the Womb

Psalm 139:15 transfers רָקַם from tent fabric to human flesh: “My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” God’s meticulous artistry that once adorned curtains now fashions every unborn child, affirming the sanctity of human life from conception.

Theological Threads

1. Beauty matters to God; worship should reflect His ordered splendor.
2. Artistic gifts are Spirit-assigned and ministry-oriented.
3. Embroidered garments foreshadow the believer’s imputed holiness.
4. The verb grounds biblical teaching on the value of life in the womb.

Ministry Applications

• Integrate the arts into worship with purpose, ensuring they exalt Christ rather than performers.
• Encourage artisans to view their craft as Spirit-empowered service.
• Teach the sanctity of life, drawing on Psalm 139:15’s imagery of divine embroidery.
• Model holiness outwardly and inwardly, as priestly garments once displayed consecration.

Rָקַם stitches together sanctuary, priesthood, community, and personal dignity, revealing a God who delights in beauty, equips His servants, and weaves every human life with intentional care.

וְרֹקֵ֗ם וְרֹקֵ֞ם ורקם רֹקֵ֑ם רֹקֵ֔ם רֹקֵֽם׃ רֻ֝קַּ֗מְתִּי רקם רקם׃ רקמתי rō·qêm roKem rōqêm rukKamti ruq·qam·tî ruqqamtî veroKem wə·rō·qêm wərōqêmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts