Rakh (H7390) means tender, soft, or gentle — used of young plants, soft flesh, tender affection, and the gentle response that turns away wrath. It stands in contrast to hardness and cruelty. A tender heart is receptive to God's word; a tender word disarms hostility.
Proverbs 15:1 says 'A gentle (rakh) answer turns away wrath.' The tender heart responds to God with humility and openness. Josiah's heart was tender (rakh) when he heard the Law read, and God honored that tender response (2 Kings 22:19). Jesus promised: 'Blessed are the meek.' The church is called to gentleness toward the erring (Galatians 6:1). Tenderness is strength rightly directed.