Lexical Summary reqam: Empty-handed, in vain, without cause Original Word: רֵיקָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance without cause, empty, in vain, void From reyq; emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly -- without cause, empty, in vain, void. see HEBREW reyq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom riq Definition emptily, vainly NASB Translation empty (6), empty-handed (8), without cause (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רֵיקָם adverb emptily, vainly; — 1 in empty condition, empty = with empty hands; with verb of sending Genesis 31:42 (E), Deuteronomy 15:13; 1 Samuel 6:3; Job 22:9; of going forth Exodus 3:21, returning Ruth 1:21; Ruth 3:17; = without an offering, ׳לֹא יֵרָאוּ פָנַי ד Exodus 23:15 (E) = Exodus 34:20 (J), more fully Deuteronomy 16:16 (compare [פָנֶה] II. 2 ראה Niph`al 1 b). 2 in vain, without effect : with שׁוּב 2 Samuel 1:22 (poem), Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 14:3 (but see רֵיק 1), Jeremiah 50:9; probably also ׳צוֺרֲרִי ר Psalm 7:5 those who were my adversaries in vain (without success); ׳הַבּוֺגְדִים ר Psalm 25:3 that deal treacherously in vain <in both most without cause). Topical Lexicon OverviewThe Hebrew term רֵיקָם captures ideas of emptiness, vainness, or being sent away “empty-handed.” Across its sixteen appearances, Scripture employs the word to contrast divine generosity with human lack, covenant faithfulness with selfish neglect, and purposeful action with fruitless effort. Whether describing Jacob’s departure from Laban, Israel’s exodus from Egypt, or the unfailing effectiveness of God’s word, רֵיקָם consistently highlights the Lord’s determination that His people neither leave His presence nor treat others without due provision. Divine Provision and Protection 1. Genesis 31:42 portrays God defending Jacob: “God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and He rebuked you last night.” Laban’s intention to send Jacob away רֵיקָם is thwarted, showing that God secures just recompense for His servants. These texts reveal the Lord as Protector and Provider, ensuring that covenant faithfulness yields tangible blessing while oppression meets measured recompense. Covenant Worship and Generosity The Mosaic legislation weaves רֵיקָם into Israel’s festival life. Exodus 23:15, Exodus 34:20, and Deuteronomy 16:16 command every male Israelite not to appear before the Lord “empty-handed.” Worship was never to be a mere formality; it required offerings that acknowledged God’s bounty. Likewise, Deuteronomy 15:13 charges masters to liberate servants with liberal supplies: “When you release him, do not send him away empty-handed.” Covenant worship and social ethics are inseparable—those who receive grace must give generously. Ethics of Human Relationships Several narratives employ רֵיקָם to spotlight compassion—or its absence—in ordinary life: • Ruth 1:21 records Naomi’s grief: “I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty.” Her lament frames the book’s exploration of loyal love. The Lord answers in Ruth 3:17 when Boaz sends Ruth home, saying, “Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed,” underwriting redemption through covenant kindness. Interpersonal dealings are to mirror God’s character—never depriving the vulnerable, never acting without just cause. Prophetic and Poetic Assurance Isaiah 55:11 anchors the Bible’s doctrine of revelation: “So My word that goes forth from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and prosper where I send it.” The word that created the world is neither powerless nor purposeless; it achieves the Lord’s decrees. Psalmists and prophets apply this principle pastorally: hope in God’s promises is never futile, and wicked schemes are always ultimately fruitless. Historical Perspective In ancient Near Eastern culture, appearing before a sovereign without a gift signified disrespect. The Torah’s prohibitions against approaching God רֵיקָם placed Israel’s worship within a familiar social framework yet elevated the practice by rooting it in covenant grace. Similarly, redemption-price provisions for freed servants and widows distinguished Israelite society from surrounding nations, foregrounding the Lord’s compassion. Ministry Significance 1. Stewardship: Believers gather on the first day of the week anticipating Christ’s return, mindful that worship is still not to be rendered רֵיקָם. Offerings, prayers, and lives are to be given in thankful response to redemption. Conclusion רֵיקָם threads through Scripture as a warning against hollow worship and unjust neglect, yet primarily as a testimony to the Lord’s overflowing generosity. From patriarchs to prophets, from feasts in Jerusalem to the promise that God’s word will perform His will, the Bible proclaims that those who trust and obey Him will never be left empty-handed. Forms and Transliterations וְרֵיקָ֖ם וריקם רֵיקָ֑ם רֵיקָ֔ם רֵיקָ֖ם רֵיקָ֣ם רֵיקָֽם׃ ריקם ריקם׃ rê·qām reiKam rêqām vereiKam wə·rê·qām wərêqāmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 31:42 HEB: כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה רֵיקָ֣ם שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִי אֶת־ NAS: you would have sent me away empty-handed. God KJV: had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God INT: surely now empty-handed have sent my affliction Exodus 3:21 Exodus 23:15 Exodus 34:20 Deuteronomy 15:13 Deuteronomy 16:16 Ruth 1:21 Ruth 3:17 1 Samuel 6:3 2 Samuel 1:22 Job 22:9 Psalm 7:4 Psalm 25:3 Isaiah 55:11 Jeremiah 14:3 Jeremiah 50:9 16 Occurrences |
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