Original Word: רַק
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: raq
Pronunciation: rahk
Phonetic Spelling: (rak)
KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise
Word Origin: [the same as H7534 (רַק - only) as a noun]

1. (properly) leanness, i.e. (figuratively) limitation
2. only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

The same as raq as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e. (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although -- but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise.

see HEBREW raq

Word Origin
the same as raq, q.v.

Overview

The term denotes limitation, exception, or restriction and appears about 109 times in Holy Scripture. It marks what is uniquely true, what is withheld, or what must be singled out for careful obedience.

Literary Force and Range of Meaning

1. Restriction – isolating one element from others (“Only Noah and those with him in the ark remained,” Genesis 7:23).
2. Exception – carving out something that does not come under a rule (“The priests’ land was not sold; only it was exempt,” Genesis 47:22).
3. Contrast – “however,” “nevertheless,” introducing a corrective or caution (“However, you must warn them solemnly,” 1 Samuel 8:9).
4. Conditional emphasis – heightening an exhortation (“Only be on your guard and diligently guard yourselves,” Deuteronomy 4:9).

Key Clusters of Usage

Pentateuch – roughly half of all occurrences. The word punctuates covenant stipulations and salvation narratives.
• Exclusive Survival: Genesis 7:23.
• Dietary Limits: Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10–14; Deuteronomy 12:16, 23.
• Exceptions in Purchase: Genesis 47:22.
• Exodus Negotiations: Exodus 8:27; 10:24 (“Only your flocks and herds must remain”).
• Census Limitation: Numbers 1:49 (“Only the tribe of Levi”).
• Warnings to Israel: Numbers 14:9; Deuteronomy 4:9; 15:5; 17:16–17.

Historical Books – The word repeatedly highlights incomplete reformation.
• Judges 1:19, 34 – partial conquest.
• 1 Kings 15:14; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35; 2 Chronicles 15:17; 20:33 – “But the high places were not removed.”
• 1 Kings 8:9 – nothing in the Ark except the tablets.
• Ezra 4:3 – returned exiles alone will rebuild.

Wisdom and Prophetic Literature – Often expresses limitation of human insight or introduces divine qualification.
• Job 1:12; 2:6 – Satan limited: “but spare his life.”
• Proverbs 11:23; 13:10 – “Only by pride comes contention.”
• Jeremiah 3:10 – “Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense.”

Theological Themes

Exclusive Devotion

Repeated commands beginning with “Only” stress undivided loyalty to the LORD (Deuteronomy 4:9; 6:13; 10:12–13). The adverb guards the First Commandment by narrowing Israel’s affections to one God.

Covenant Conditionality

Many blessings are introduced with an “if only” clause (Deuteronomy 15:5; 28:1). These signify that covenant privileges are not automatic; obedience is the channel.

Protection of Life and Blood

Genesis 9:4 and its reiterations set apart blood as sacred. The restrictive particle brands the consumption of blood a unique prohibition pointing forward to the redemptive value of Christ’s blood.

Remnant Principle

By isolating Noah (Genesis 7:23), the Levites (Numbers 1:49), or a faithful king amid idolatry (2 Kings 18:3–4—“He trusted in the LORD…however, the high places he removed”), Scripture traces a pattern of God preserving a holy remnant.

Divine Sovereignty Over Evil

The heavenly court scenes in Job employ the word to set limits around Satan: evil cannot overstep God’s “only.” This undergirds pastoral confidence in God’s providence.

Incomplete Reform

The chronic phrase “However, the high places were not removed” demonstrates the mixed nature of many revivals, fostering a sober realism in ministry that partial obedience still falls short of God’s desire for comprehensive holiness.

Historical Reception

Rabbinic writings noticed the adverb’s restrictive force, grouping laws under “but” or “except” formulas. Early church fathers, reading the Greek μόνον, connected it to sola fide themes—only Christ saves. Reformers drew on Deuteronomy’s “only be careful” passages to stress the priority of Scripture over tradition.

Ministry and Discipleship Implications

1. Preaching Application – The word invites sermons on wholehearted devotion: “Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully” (1 Samuel 12:24).
2. Pastoral Counsel – Job’s “but spare his life” comforts believers facing trial: God sets boundaries evil cannot cross.
3. Holiness Teaching – The recurring “only do not” clauses in Deuteronomy support calls for ethical separation without legalism.
4. Missions – The remnant motif encourages laborers that even if “only” a few respond, God’s plan advances through small but faithful groups.

Intertextual Echoes

Though the Hebrew adverb does not appear in Greek New Testament text, its theological thrust is mirrored in statements such as “Christ alone” (Acts 4:12) and “Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh” (Galatians 5:13). The exclusivity of devotion and limitation of liberty find their ultimate fulfillment in the gospel.

Summary

From Noah’s preservation to post-exilic reforms, the particle serves as Scripture’s verbal scalpel, trimming away rivals, clarifying exceptions, and insisting on the undivided allegiance the covenant-keeping God deserves.

הֲרַ֤ק הרק וְרַק֙ וְרַק־ ורק ורק־ רַ֕ק רַ֖ק רַ֗ק רַ֚ק רַ֛ק רַ֞ק רַ֠ק רַ֡ק רַ֣ק רַ֣ק ׀ רַ֤ק רַ֥ק רַ֧ק רַ֭ק רַק֩ רַק֮ רַק־ רק רק־ hă·raq haRak hăraq rak raq raq- verak wə·raq wə·raq- wəraq wəraq-Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts