Lexical Summary
reqam: Empty-handed, in vain, without cause
Original Word:רֵיקָם
Part of Speech:Adverb
Transliteration:reyqam
Pronunciation:ray-KAHM
Phonetic Spelling:(ray-kawm')
KJV: without cause, empty, in vain, void
NASB:empty-handed, empty, without cause
Word Origin:[fromH7386 (רֵיק רֵק - empty)]
1. emptily
2. figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
without cause, empty, in vain, void
Fromreyq; emptily; figuratively (objective) ineffectually, (subjective) undeservedly -- without cause, empty, in vain, void.
see HEBREWreyq
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
riqDefinitionemptily, vainly
NASB Translationempty (6), empty-handed (8), without cause (2).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
; —
in empty condition, empty = with empty hands; with verb of sendingGenesis 31:42 (E),Deuteronomy 15:13;1 Samuel 6:3;Job 22:9; of going forthExodus 3:21, returningRuth 1:21;Ruth 3:17; = without an offering,Exodus 23:15 (E) =Exodus 34:20 (J), more fullyDeuteronomy 16:16 (compare [] II.
).
in vain, without effect : with2 Samuel 1:22 (poem),Isaiah 55:11;Jeremiah 14:3 (but see
),Jeremiah 50:9; probably alsoPsalm 7:5those who were my adversaries in vain (without success);Psalm 25:3 thatdeal treacherously in vain <in both mostwithout 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.
2.Exodus 3:21 prefaces the Exodus with the promise: “And I will cause the Egyptians to look favorably on this people, so that when you leave, you will not go away empty-handed.” Deliverance is coupled with restitution.
3.Jeremiah 50:9 extends the theme into judgment language; Babylon will be struck by an invincible army, “their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed.” Divine justice guarantees nothing is in vain.
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, andDeuteronomy 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 inRuth 3:17 when Boaz sends Ruth home, saying, “Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed,” underwriting redemption through covenant kindness.
•Job 22:9 indicts the wicked who “sent widows away empty-handed,” a sin the Lord condemns.
•Psalm 7:4 andPsalm 25:3 shift the word’s nuance to “without cause,” stressing moral innocence: David refuses to harm others רֵיקָם and trusts that none who wait on the Lord will be shamed.
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.
2. Social Justice: Churches must not send the needy away empty-handed; diaconal ministry flows from the gospel pattern set in Deuteronomy and Ruth.
3. Preaching and Mission:Isaiah 55:11 grounds confidence that faithful proclamation never returns void. Evangelism, discipleship, and global missions operate on the certainty that God’s word accomplishes His saving purposes.
4. Pastoral Encouragement: Naomi’s journey from empty to full anticipates the resurrection hope that God turns mourning into joy. Congregations facing apparent futility rest on the assurance that obedience, though costly, is never in vain.
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 wərêqām
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