Original Word: רָכַל
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: rakal
Pronunciation: rah-KAHL
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-kal')
Definition: to travel for, trading
Meaning: To travel for trading, to trade as a merchant

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1710 (ἐμπορεύομαι, emporeuomai): To travel, to traffic, to trade
• G1711 (ἐμπορία, emporia): Commerce, trade
• G1712 (ἔμπορος, emporos): A merchant, trader
• G1713 (ἐμπορεύομαι, emporeuomai): To engage in trade, to buy and sell

These Greek terms reflect similar concepts of trade and commerce as seen in the Hebrew רָכַל, emphasizing the continuity of these economic activities across different cultures and languages in the biblical world.

Usage: The verb רָכַל is used in the context of traveling for the purpose of trade or commerce. It implies the act of moving from place to place to conduct business, often associated with merchants or traders.

Context: The Hebrew verb רָכַל (rakal) is a primitive root that primarily denotes the action of traveling for trade. This term is often associated with the activities of merchants who journey from one location to another to buy and sell goods. The concept of רָכַל is deeply embedded in the ancient Near Eastern culture, where trade routes and commerce were vital for economic and cultural exchanges.

In the Old Testament, רָכַל is used to describe the activities of traders who played a crucial role in the economy of ancient Israel and its neighboring regions. These traders would often travel long distances, bringing with them goods such as spices, textiles, and other commodities that were not locally available. The act of trading was not only an economic activity but also a means of cultural interaction and exchange.

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) provides instances where this term is used, highlighting the importance of trade in biblical times. For example, in Ezekiel 27:13, the prophet describes the trading activities of Tyre, a prominent trading city: "Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants; they exchanged slaves and bronze articles for your merchandise." This passage illustrates the extensive trade networks and the diverse range of goods exchanged.

The role of traders and merchants is also seen in the broader biblical narrative, where trade is often depicted as a means of prosperity and wealth, but also as a potential source of moral and ethical challenges. The Bible provides guidance on fair trade practices and warns against dishonest gain, emphasizing the importance of integrity in commerce.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
probably to go about
NASB Translation
merchant (2), merchants (3), traded (4), traders (8).

[רָכַל] verb probably go about, from one to another (for trade or gossip) (? connected with רגל; compare Arabic kick a horse, to make him go [? properly use the foot, compare ?]; Late Hebrew רוֺכֵל, Aramaic רוֺכְלָא, trader, Late Hebrew רְכִילוּת slander [compare calumniator, from go about, Qor 2:19 and elsewhere]); —

Qal Participle רוֺכֵל Songs 3:6; feminine singular construct רֹכֶ֫לֶת Ezekiel 27:3, suffix רֹכַלְתֵךְ Ezekiel 27:20; Ezekiel 27:23; masculine plural רֹכְלִים 1 Kings 10:15 +, etc.; — as substantive = trafficker, trader: usually plural, Nahum 3:16; Ezekiel 17:4 (׳עִיר ר), Ezekiel 27:13,15,17,22 (twice in verse); Ezekiel 27:23a (< strike out Toy Krae), Ezekiel 27:24; Nehemiah 3:31,32; Nehemiah 13:20 ( + מֹרֵי כָלמִֿמְכָּר); ׳מִסְחַר הָר 1 Kings 10:15 (text dubious; compare ׳מ p.695); singular figurative of Tyre, רֹכֶלֶת הָעַמִּים אֶלאִֿיִּים רַכִּים Ezekiel 27:8, of a people Ezekiel 27:20; Ezekiel 27:23b (plural Mez^{Harran 34} Krae, see also כִּלְמֶד); singular of person only אַבְקַת רוֺכֵל Songs 3:6.

spice merchant

A primitive root; to travel for trading -- (spice) merchant.

הָרֹכְלִ֑ים הָרֹכְלִ֜ים הרכלים וְהָרֹכְלִ֑ים וְהָרֹכְלִֽים׃ והרכלים והרכלים׃ רֹֽכְלַ֔יִךְ רֹֽכְלָ֑יִךְ רֹֽכַלְתֵּ֔ךְ רֹכְלִ֖ים רֹכְלֵ֖י רֹכְלֵ֤י רֹכְלַ֙יִךְ֙ רֹכְלָ֑יִךְ רֹכֶ֙לֶת֙ רֹכַלְתֵּֽךְ׃ רוֹכֵֽל׃ רוכל׃ רכלי רכליך רכלים רכלת רכלתך רכלתך׃ hā·rō·ḵə·lîm harocheLim hārōḵəlîm rō·ḵal·têḵ rō·ḵə·la·yiḵ rō·ḵə·lā·yiḵ rō·ḵə·lê rō·ḵe·leṯ rō·ḵə·lîm rō·w·ḵêl rochalTech roChel rocheLayich rocheLei roChelet rocheLim rōḵaltêḵ rōḵəlayiḵ rōḵəlāyiḵ rōḵəlê rōḵeleṯ rōḵəlîm rōwḵêl veharocheLim wə·hā·rō·ḵə·lîm wəhārōḵəlîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts