רָצַח
Properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does רָצַח (ratsach) mean in the Bible?
רָצַח (ratsach) is a Hebrew word meaning "properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder". properly, to dash in pieces, i. Priestly crime contradicting covenant law. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant, Justice.
Meaning
Murder involving bloodshed; unlawful or violent killing distinguished from lawful execution or warfare
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder BDB: murder Usage: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er).
Why This Word Matters
Priestly crime contradicting covenant law. Hosea 6:7-11
Grammatical Forms
How the stem changes the meaning of this verb across the biblical text.
Qal basic active stem — the word in its most common, direct sense 15×
Piel intensive active — emphasizes thoroughness or repeated action 4×
Niphal passive or reflexive — the subject receives or experiences the action 1×
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
Old Testament Witnesses
Showing 8 of 47 occurrences in the biblical text.