Lexical Summary
arak: To arrange, set in order, prepare, compare, value
Original Word:עָרַךְ
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:`arak
Pronunciation:ah-RAHK
Phonetic Spelling:(aw-rak')
KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to set in a row, i.e. arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
set the battle, array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert in war,
A primitive root; to set in a row, i.e. Arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications) -- put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value.
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(Late Hebrew
id.; also
roll dough,
id.; Phoenician CIS
No. 132, 4valuation, Bloch, but dubious; Arabic
III.
contend in battle,
,
battleground); —
Perfect3masculine singularJob 32:14; 2Chronicles 13:3, consecutiveLeviticus 1:12;Leviticus 6:5;Numbers 23:4 +, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularExodus 27:21 +, etc.;ImperativeJob 33:5,Jeremiah 46:3;Jeremiah 50:14;Infinitive absoluteIsaiah 21:5;constructJudges 20:22 +;Participle active pluralIsaiah 65:11, etc.;passiveJeremiah 6:23 +, constructJoel 2:5, etc.; — not in D; —
arrange in order, seven altarsNumbers 23:4, i.e. I have built seven altarsin a row (compareNumbers 23:1), flax-stalksJoshua 2:6 (both J E); especially
set orlay in order, as woodGenesis 22:9 (E),1 Kings 18:33, compare TophetIsaiah 30:33;Leviticus 1:7; offeringsLeviticus 1:8,12;Leviticus 6:5; lamp(s)Exodus 27:21;Leviticus 24:3,4 (all P), lamp (figurative of dynasty)Psalm 132:17; 'shew'-breadExodus 40:4,23 (upon [] sacred both with accusative of congnate meaning with verb),Leviticus 24:8 (P).
(compare RS Sem i. 189 f., 2nd ed. 200 f.),arrange a table (i.e. dishes in order upon it),Isaiah 21:5;Proverbs 9:2 (figurative of wisdom),Ezekiel 23:41 (of Jerusalem in figure);Psalm 23:5;Psalm 78:19 (figurative; subject God); in idolatrous worshipIsaiah 65:11.
arrange a battle, i.e. draw up in battle order,Judges 20:22;1 Samuel 17:8;2 Samuel 10:8> =1 Chronicles 19:9;1 Chronicles 12:37 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:36), 2 Chron 14:9,1 Chronicles 12:34;1 Chronicles 12:36 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:33; v.1 Chronicles 12:35);Joel 2:5; +with, i.e.againstJudges 20:20;Genesis 14:8, 2Chronicles 13:8; +1 Samuel 17:2;1 Chronicles 19:17 b;1 Samuel 17:21;Jeremiah 6:23;Jeremiah 50:42; object omittedJudges 20:22,23, +1 Samuel 4:2;2 Samuel 10:9,10 =1 Chronicles 19:10,11;2 Samuel 10:17; +againstJudges 20:30;Jeremiah 50:14;1 Chronicles 19:17 a,againstJeremiah 50:9>; —Job 6:4 read Di Bu Du.
arrange weapons of armyin order for battleJeremiah 46:3;1 Chronicles 12:9 (van d. H. v.1 Chronicles 12:8).
arrange words ()Job 32:14 ( +against), so (object omitted)Job 33:5 ( + ),Job 37:19;Psalm 5:4 (probably; > of arranging a sacrifice); comparerecount thingsin order,Isaiah 44:7.
state in order, set forth a legal caseJob 13:18;Job 23:4, so probably (object omitted) of GodPsalm 50:21 ( + ), and (passive of )2 Samuel 23:5 (compare Dr). —Job 36:19 is difficult: Diwill he set thy cry ()in order? Bi (for )shall thy cry be set in order unto him? (sense good, although
); see al. in Di.
compare (as result of arranging in order):Isaiah 40:18what likeness will ye compare to him?Psalm 40:6.
intransitivebe comparable, with ,Psalm 89:7 ("" ), with suffix of thing comparedJob 28:17,19.
[] (for taxation), (from
); —Perfect3masculine singular2 Kings 23:35; in P, consecutive, with accusative of personLeviticus 27:8,12 with suffixLeviticus 27:14;Imperfect.Leviticus 27:14; suffixLeviticus 27:8.
Topical Lexicon
OverviewThe verb עָרַךְ occurs about seventy-six times, spanning Genesis to Zephaniah. In every setting the notion is the deliberate arranging or marshaling of things, people, words, or values. The contexts fall into several discernible spheres—worship, warfare, valuation, prayer, and prophecy—together portraying the orderliness of God and the call for His people to mirror that order in life and ministry.
Worship and Sacrifice: Ordering the Holy Things
From the patriarchs onward the word describes careful preparation of offerings.Genesis 22:9 pictures Abraham who “built the altar there and arranged the wood” before placing Isaac upon it. In the Tabernacle narrative Moses is told, “Bring in the table and set out what belongs on it” (Exodus 40:4), and the bread of the Presence is to be “set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a permanent covenant” (Leviticus 24:8). Every Sabbath the showbread was renewed, underscoring continual, orderly service in God’s presence. The priest who neglected to arrange the lamps (Exodus 27:21), the incense, or the burnt offerings failed in his calling, reminding modern servants of Christ that reverent preparation is itself an act of worship.
Battle Lines and Spiritual Warfare
More than thirty occurrences relate to armies drawn up for combat. The Valley of Elah scene is typical: “Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the Valley of Elah, and they drew up in battle line to meet the Philistines” (1 Samuel 17:2). Similar language frames conflicts under Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:3), Asa (2 Chronicles 14:10), and Jehoshaphat, who appointed singers that “went out before the army” (2 Chronicles 20:21), merging worship and warfare. The prophets reuse military imagery for coming judgment—“Prepare for battle against her” (Jeremiah 6:4)—and Revelation echoes the motif when the nations gather in array against the Lamb. The church therefore learns to “put on the full armor of God” with equal forethought and discipline.
Valuation and Dedication
InLeviticus 27 the verb governs the priestly task of assigning worth to persons or property vowed to the LORD: “The priest will set the valuation” (Leviticus 27:8). Here arranging moves from spatial order to moral and monetary assessment, teaching that consecration requires sober appraisal. The same concept surfaces again in Ezekiel’s temple vision, where the prophet measures and values each segment, looking ahead to a perfectly ordered sanctuary.
Prayer and Proclamation: Words Set in Order
David sings, “In the morning…I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3). The psalmist does not merely utter words but arranges them, modeling intentional, thoughtful prayer. Job challenges his friends, “Prepare your case and confront me” (Job 33:5), while the LORD promises the wicked, “I will rebuke you and expose them before your eyes” (Psalm 50:21). In each case speech is deliberately marshaled; careless language has no place before the God who weighs every word.
God’s Provision: Preparing the Table
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5) is the shepherd’s application of עָרַךְ. The wilderness generation doubted, asking, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” (Psalm 78:19). The affirmative answer runs through Scripture: from manna to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the LORD orders sustenance for His people.Ezekiel 23:41 turns the image negatively, depicting Judah adorning a table for idolatrous lovers; when arrangement is severed from covenant fidelity it becomes a platform for sin.
Prophetic Testimony and Historical Review
Isaiah records God’s challenge: “Let him lay out before Me what has happened since I established My ancient people” (Isaiah 44:7). Prophets are to marshal history itself as evidence of divine sovereignty. Likewise the chronicler arranges genealogies and battles, demonstrating that redemption history is no random sequence but an ordered narrative moving toward Messiah.
Wisdom and Beauty: Ordered Ornamentation
Song of Solomon 1:10 praises the bride’s “neck with strings of jewels.” The imagery of adorned order highlights a principle of aesthetics: beauty flourishes where elements are purposefully arranged. Proverbs, though not using the verb directly, resonates with the concept when it extols disciplined living. Biblical wisdom thus unites the practical and the beautiful under the banner of godly order.
Christological Fulfillment
The Gospels portray Jesus as the One who perfectly arranges the Messianic banquet, instructing His disciples to have the crowds “sit down in groups” (Mark 6:39) before He multiplies bread, echoingLeviticus 24. On the cross His sacrifice is the final, divinely ordered offering. Hebrews views His priesthood as seated in heavenly order, and Paul describes the end when every enemy will be “placed under His feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25), the ultimate battle array.
Pastoral and Liturgical Applications
1. Worship leaders emulate the priests by planning services that are both reverent and Spirit-led.
2. Elders arrange doctrinal teaching so that the flock may discern truth from error (Titus 1:5).
3. Intercessors learn from David to structure their petitions, balancing adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
4. Believers facing conflict draw encouragement from the battle narratives: disciplined preparation coupled with reliance on the LORD secures the victory.
5. Stewardship committees mirrorLeviticus 27 when they evaluate resources for kingdom use.
The repeated appearance of עָרַךְ forms a quiet but persistent call: whether offering, marching, valuing, praying, or recounting history, God’s people are to act deliberately, reverently, and in harmony with His perfect order.
Forms and Transliterations
אֶֽעֱרָךְ־ אֶעֶרְכָ֣ה אערך־ אערכה הֲיַעֲרֹ֣ךְ הֶעֱרִ֣יךְ הַֽעֹרְכִ֤ים הָעֲרֻכ֥וֹת היערך העריך הערכות הערכים וְאֶֽעֶרְכָ֣ה וְהֶעֱרִ֤יךְ וְהֶעֱרִ֥יךְ וְהֶעֱרִיכוֹ֙ וְיַעְרְכֶ֙הָ֙ וְעָ֣רְכוּ וְעָרְכ֗וּ וְעָרְכ֥וּ וְעָרַ֤ךְ וְעָרַכְתָּ֖ וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֕ךְ וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ וַיַּ֣עַרְכ֔וּ וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּ וַיַּֽעַרְכ֥וּ וַיַּֽעַרְכוּ֙ וַיַּעֲרֹ֥ךְ וַיַּעֲרֹ֨ךְ וַיַּעַרְכ֖וּ וַיַּעַרְכ֤וּ וַיַּעַרְכ֥וּ וַיַּעַרְכ֨וּ וַתַּעֲרֹ֤ךְ ואערכה והעריך והעריכו ויערך ויערכה ויערכו וערך וערכו וערכת ותערך יַ֭עַרְכֶנָּה יַֽעַרְכֶ֛נּוּ יַֽעַרְכֽוּנִי׃ יַעֲרִ֥יךְ יַעֲרִיכֶ֖נּוּ יַעֲרֹ֖ךְ יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ יַעֲרֹךְ֩ יַעַרְכֶ֣נָּה יעריך יעריכנו יערך יערכוני׃ יערכנה יערכנו לַעֲרֹ֣ךְ לַעֲרֹ֥ךְ לערך נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ נערך עֱר֖וּךְ עֲרֹ֬ךְ עֲרוּכָ֤ה עִרְכ֤וּ עִרְכ֨וּ עֶרְכָ֥ה עָ֥רְכוּ עָֽרְכָ֥ה עָר֖וּךְ עָר֗וּךְ עָר֤וּךְ עָרַ֔כְתִּי עָרַ֣ךְ עָרַ֣כְתִּי עָרַ֤ךְ עָרַ֥כְתִּי עָרֹ֧ךְ עֹדְרֵ֣י עֹרְכֵ֣י עֹרְכֵ֥י עֹרְכֵ֧י עדרי ערוך ערוכה ערך ערכה ערכו ערכי ערכתי תַּ֥עַרְכוּ תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ תערך תערכו ‘ā·raḵ ‘ā·raḵ·tî ‘ā·rə·ḵāh ‘ā·rə·ḵū ‘ă·rōḵ ‘ā·rōḵ ‘ă·rū·ḵāh ‘ā·rūḵ ‘āraḵ ‘āraḵtî ‘ārəḵāh ‘ārəḵū ‘ărōḵ ‘ārōḵ ‘ārūḵ ‘ărūḵāh ‘ĕ·rūḵ ‘er·ḵāh ‘erḵāh ‘ĕrūḵ ‘ir·ḵū ‘irḵū ‘ō·ḏə·rê ‘ō·rə·ḵê ‘ōḏərê ‘ōrəḵê ’e‘ĕrāḵ- ’e‘erḵāh ’e·‘ĕ·rāḵ- ’e·‘er·ḵāh aRach aRachti areChah Arechu aRoch aRuch aruChah eerChah eeroch erChah eRuch hā‘ăruḵōwṯ ha‘ōrəḵîm hā·‘ă·ru·ḵō·wṯ ha·‘ō·rə·ḵîm hă·ya·‘ă·rōḵ haaruChot haoreChim hăya‘ărōḵ hayaaRoch he‘ĕrîḵ he·‘ĕ·rîḵ heeRich irChu la‘ărōḵ la·‘ă·rōḵ laaRoch na‘ărōḵ na·‘ă·rōḵ naaRoch odeRei oreChei ta‘arḵū ta‘ărōḵ ta·‘ă·rōḵ ta·‘ar·ḵū Taarchu taaRoch vaiyaarChu vaiyaaRoch vattaaRoch veaRach vearachTa veareChu veeerChah veheeRich veheeriCho veyareCheha wat·ta·‘ă·rōḵ watta‘ărōḵ way·ya·‘ă·rōḵ way·ya·‘ar·ḵū wayya‘arḵū wayya‘ărōḵ wə‘āraḵ wə‘āraḵtā wə‘ārəḵū wə’e‘erḵāh wə·‘ā·raḵ wə·‘ā·raḵ·tā wə·‘ā·rə·ḵū wə·’e·‘er·ḵāh wə·he·‘ĕ·rî·ḵōw wə·he·‘ĕ·rîḵ wə·ya‘·rə·ḵe·hā wəhe‘ĕrîḵ wəhe‘ĕrîḵōw wəya‘rəḵehā ya‘ărîḵ ya‘ărîḵennū ya‘arḵennāh ya‘arḵennū ya‘arḵūnî ya‘ărōḵ ya·‘ă·rî·ḵen·nū ya·‘ă·rîḵ ya·‘ă·rōḵ ya·‘ar·ḵen·nāh ya·‘ar·ḵen·nū ya·‘ar·ḵū·nî yaarChennah yaarChennu YaarChuni yaaRich yaariChennu yaaroCh
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
