Original Word: רְפִידָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: rphiydah
Pronunciation: reh-fee-DAH
Phonetic Spelling: (ref-ee-daw')
KJV: bottom
NASB: back
Word Origin: [from H7502 (רָפַד - make)]

1. a railing (as spread along)

bottom

From raphad; a railing (as spread along) -- bottom.

see HEBREW raphad

Word Origin
from raphad
Definition
perhaps a support
NASB Translation
back (1).

[רְפִידָה] noun feminine perhaps support (compare Arabic above), i.e. back, or arm, of palanquin; suffix רְפִידָתוֺ Songs 3:10; ᵐ5 ἀνάκλιτον, ᵑ9 reclinatorium.

Term Overview

רְפִידָה (rephidah) denotes a padded support, cushion, or seat—something designed to bear weight comfortably and to provide rest.

Scriptural Occurrence

Song of Songs 3:10: “He has made its posts of silver, its base of gold, its seat of purple, its interior lovingly inlaid by the daughters of Jerusalem.”

Here רְפִידָה describes the luxuriously upholstered seat of the royal palanquin that carries the bride.

Literary Context in Song of Songs

Song of Songs 3:6-11 presents a bridal procession culminating in Solomon’s palanquin. Each element—silver posts, golden base, purple seat (רְפִידָה), and loving inlay—highlights the splendor prepared for the bride. The cushion accentuates the theme of restful security within covenant love. While only mentioned once, רְפִידָה anchors the passage’s portrayal of tenderness and royal provision.

Historical and Cultural Insights

1. Palanquins in the Ancient Near East were enclosed couches lifted by bearers. A cushioned interior signified status and care for the occupant.
2. Purple-dyed fabric, rare and costly, symbolized royalty (Judges 8:26; Esther 8:15). The purple רְפִידָה therefore announces kingly honor bestowed on the bride.
3. Bridal litters were often crafted collaboratively by female attendants. The “daughters of Jerusalem” thereby celebrate the marriage by adorning the cushion, reinforcing communal joy.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

• REST IN COVENANT LOVE: The cushioned seat pictures the restful assurance offered by the bridegroom. Believers find an ultimate counterpart in the rest Jesus Christ grants to His people (Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 4:9-10).
• ROYALTY AND WORTH: Purple upholstery proclaims royal dignity. In union with Christ, the Church shares His honor (1 Peter 2:9).
• DIVINE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Every detail of the palanquin is deliberate, echoing the Lord’s meticulous preparation for His dwelling among His people (John 14:2-3).

Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References

Rest and Support – Psalm 23:1-2; Isaiah 32:18; Revelation 14:13

Love’s Provision – Ephesians 5:25-27; Song of Songs 2:4

Royal Wedding Motif – Psalm 45; Revelation 19:7-9

Communal Participation in Joy – Luke 15:6-10; John 3:29

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Marriage Enrichment: רְפִידָה invites couples to cultivate environments of comfort and honor, reflecting Christlike love.
2. Pastoral Care: The cushioned seat offers a visual aid for preaching Christ’s restful salvation to the weary.
3. Worship and Art: Designers of church spaces may draw inspiration from the opulent yet intimate imagery to symbolize the believer’s secure position in Christ.

Conclusion

Though רְפִידָה appears only once, its image of a purple-upholstered seat encapsulates profound truths: the King’s love is lavish, His preparation complete, and His invitation to restful communion sure.

רְפִידָת֣וֹ רפידתו rə·p̄î·ḏā·ṯōw refidaTo rəp̄îḏāṯōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts