רְחוֹב (re.chov)
re.chov
Rehob
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun rechov denotes a broad, open space or wide street. In the biblical text, it primarily identifies a specific geographical location rather than describing a general feature. The sources define it as "broad place," highlighting its function as a significant thoroughfare or open area within the landscape of ancient Israel.
This term appears in eight verses, most frequently in Joshua, Numbers, and II Samuel. It marks the northern limit reached by the spies exploring Canaan, situated on the road leading to Hamath (Numbers 13:21). This usage anchors the word in a concrete historical context, serving as a boundary marker for the extent of Israelite reconnaissance during the wilderness wanderings.
The name Rehob itself carries the sense of expansiveness. By locating this "broad place" at the edge of the explored territory, the text emphasizes the vastness of the land promised to the ancestors. The word helps readers visualize the physical scope of the journey and the strategic importance of the northern routes connecting Israel with neighboring regions like Hamath.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rehob appears in Scripture as a place known for its width and openness. In Numbers, it marks the northern boundary reached by the spies sent to explore Canaan. This location reminds us that the land God promised was vast, stretching far beyond what Israel had initially occupied.
Later references show Rehob as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher and as a political entity in the region of Zobah during King David’s reign. The word itself suggests space and room, reflecting the physical reality of a broad thoroughfare or open area in ancient times.
For believers today, this term points to the expansive nature of God’s provision. Just as Rehob offered a wide place for travel and settlement, Scripture encourages us to trust in God’s sufficient provision for every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rehob5×
- and/ Rehob3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְחֹ֖ב4×
- רְחֹֽב\׃1×
- וּ/רְחוֹב֙1×
- וּ/רְחֹ֖ב1×
- וּ/רְחֹ֑ב1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:21
So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath.
This verse identifies Rehob as the northern limit of the spies' exploration, highlighting its role as a boundary marker for the promised land.
-
Joshua 19:30
Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages.
Here Rehob is listed among the cities allotted to Asher, showing its inclusion in the tribal inheritance.
-
II Samuel 8:3
David also struck Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his dominion at the River.
This reference links Rehob to Hadadezer, king of Zobah, indicating its significance as a regional power center during David's military campaigns.