GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

Ῥαχάβ (Rhachab)

Rhachab

Rahab

G4477 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Rhachab refers to Rahab, a woman from Jericho mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus. Her name means "wide" or "broad," a detail that reflects her Canaanite origins and the historical account found in Joshua 2.

Matthew includes her as the mother of Boaz, linking her to the lineage of David and ultimately Christ. This inclusion is significant because it places a Gentile woman, known for hiding Hebrew spies, within the ancestral line of the Messiah, highlighting the expansive reach of God’s plan.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Rhachab, or Rahab, appears in Matthew’s genealogy as the mother of Boaz. This brief mention carries significant weight because it introduces a Gentile woman into the lineage of Jesus. Her presence reminds us that God’s family has always included those from outside the traditional boundaries of Israel.

Rahab is known for her courage in hiding the spies sent by Joshua. By including her name, the gospel writer shows that faith and action matter more than background or past reputation. It offers hope to anyone who feels their history might disqualify them from God’s purposes.

This inclusion points to a broader truth: God’s plan is expansive. He uses unlikely people to build His kingdom. When we look at the ancestors of Christ, we see that grace reaches across cultural and moral divides, inviting all who trust Him into His story.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Rahab;1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ῥαχάβ·1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 1:5
    Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse.

    This verse explicitly names Rahab as the mother of Boaz, establishing her direct link to the Davidic line and Jesus Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Rhachab in the Bible?

Rhachab is the Greek spelling of Rahab, a woman from Jericho mentioned in Matthew 1:5. She was the mother of Boaz and an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

Why is Rahab in Jesus’ family tree?

Matthew includes her to show that God’s salvation extends to Gentiles and those with complex pasts. Her faith in saving the spies (Joshua 2) aligned her with God’s people, leading to her place in the lineage of David.

What does her name mean?

The name Rahab can mean 'wide' or 'broad,' which some scholars link to her expansive faith or the broad reach of God’s grace. In Matthew, her inclusion highlights the universal scope of the Messiah's mission.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Matthew 1 verse
Matthew 1:5

Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse.