רָחָב (ra.chav)

ra.chav

Rahab

H7343 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 5 verses

N:N-F-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 5 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-P

Word Overview

The name Rahab means "wide" or "broad," a meaning that stands in sharp contrast to the narrow, hidden life she likely led as a resident of Jericho’s fortified walls. First introduced in Joshua 2:1, she is identified simply as a harlot, yet her story quickly expands beyond this social label to become one of the most significant narratives of faith in the Old Testament.

Rahab’s legacy rests on her decisive action and belief. When two Israelite spies sought refuge in her home, she hid them and helped them escape, declaring her trust in the God of Israel who had already given the land to His people (Joshua 2:9-11). Her courage saved her family from the destruction that followed the fall of Jericho, marking her as a foreigner welcomed into the covenant community.

This inclusion is profound, as she later married Salmon and became the mother of Boaz, placing her directly in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ. The New Testament commends her faith in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25, not for her past profession, but for her righteous actions that aligned with her newfound trust in God.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Rahab means "wide" or "broad," a striking contrast to the narrow, hidden life she likely lived within Jericho’s fortified walls. Her story shows how God uses unexpected people to advance His plans. When two spies sought refuge in her home, she made a bold choice to protect them, declaring her trust in the God of Israel who had already given the land to His people.

Rahab’s courage saved her family from destruction and marked her as a foreigner welcomed into the covenant community. She later married Salmon and became the mother of Boaz, placing her directly in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ. The New Testament commends her faith not for her past profession, but for her righteous actions that aligned with her newfound trust in God.

This narrative invites us to see how God’s grace extends beyond human boundaries. Rahab’s inclusion reminds us that faith is demonstrated through action, and that no one is too far gone from God’s redemptive plan. Her story stands as a testament to the power of trusting God in difficult circumstances.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Rahab4×
[was] Rahab1×

Forms in the text

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

רָחָ֖ב2×
רָחָ֨ב1×
רָחָ֣ב1×
רָ֠חָב1×

Key Verses

Joshua 2:1
Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, including Jericho.” They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

This verse introduces Rahab by name and occupation, setting the stage for her unexpected role in Israel's conquest.
Joshua 6:17
The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to Yahweh. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

Here, God explicitly commands that Rahab and her household be spared because of her hidden support for the spies.
Joshua 6:25
But Rahab the prostitute, her father’s household, and all that she had, Joshua saved alive. She lives in the middle of Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

This verse confirms Rahab’s permanent place among Israel, highlighting her integration into the covenant community as a result of her faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Rahab mean?

The name Rahab means "wide" or "broad." This meaning contrasts with the narrow, confined life she likely lived as a resident of Jericho's fortified walls. It symbolizes the expansive reach of God's grace and inclusion.

Why is Rahab significant in the Bible?

Rahab is significant because her faith and actions led to her salvation and integration into Israel. She is mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ, showing how God uses unexpected people for His purposes. Her story highlights the power of faith demonstrated through action.

How does Rahab's story relate to the New Testament?

Rahab is commended for her faith in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25. These passages highlight her righteous actions as evidence of her trust in God. Her inclusion in Jesus' lineage underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)

Joshua 5 verses

Joshua 2:1

Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, including Jericho.”…

Joshua 2:3

Jericho’s king sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for…

Joshua 6:17

The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to Yahweh. Only Rahab the prostitute shall live, she and all…

Joshua 6:23

The young men who were spies went in, and brought out Rahab with her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she…

Joshua 6:25

But Rahab the prostitute, her father’s household, and all that she had, Joshua saved alive. She lives in the middle of…