רְחֹבוֹת (re.cho.vot)
re.cho.vot
Rehoboth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun reḥōbōt literally means wide places or broad streets. In the biblical text, it appears as a proper name for several distinct locations, most notably as the third well dug by Isaac in Genesis 26:22. After a period of conflict over water rights with local shepherds, Isaac moves on and digs this new well, naming it reḥōbōt because he declares, "Now the Lord has made room for us." This usage transforms a simple geographic term into a symbol of divine provision and relief from strife.
Beyond the Genesis narrative, the name surfaces in lists of Edomite kings (1 Chronicles 1:43) and in accounts of Assyrian urban development near Nineveh. In these contexts, the word likely refers to a city or district characterized by its spaciousness. The repetition of this specific name across different regions and eras suggests it was a common toponym for open, accessible settlements rather than a unique identifier.
Translators typically render reḥōbōt as "Rehoboth" without translating the meaning, preserving its identity as a place name. However, the underlying sense of space remains relevant to the narrative context in Genesis, where the physical width of the land parallels the spiritual relief experienced by Isaac. The word captures a moment of expansion after confinement, marking a shift from scarcity to abundance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rehoboth comes from a Hebrew word meaning wide places or broad streets. In Genesis, Isaac dug this well after others had argued over water rights. He named it Rehoboth because he felt God had finally made room for him and his family to thrive without conflict.
This story reminds us that peace often follows seasons of struggle. When we feel crowded by life’s pressures, we can trust that God provides space for rest and growth. It is a gentle promise that our current struggles do not define our future.
We are invited to look for these moments of relief in our own lives. Whether through quiet time or community support, God often creates the room we need to move forward with hope and fruitfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Rehoboth2×
- Rehoboth-1×
- Rehoboth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵ/רְחֹב֥וֹת2×
- רְחֹבֹ֥ת1×
- רְחֹב֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:22
He left that place, and dug another well. They didn’t argue over that one. So he called it Rehoboth. He said, “For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”
This verse captures the emotional shift from conflict to peace, as Isaac names the well to mark God's provision of space.
-
Genesis 10:11
Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah,
Here the term describes a spacious district in Assyria, showing how the name was used for large urban areas beyond just wells.
-
Genesis 36:37
Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.
This reference identifies a king from a specific location by the river, preserving the name in historical records of Edom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Rehoboth mean in the Bible?
Why did Isaac name the third well Rehoboth?
Where else does the name Rehoboth appear?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah,
Genesis 26:22He left that place, and dug another well. They didn’t argue over that one. So he called it Rehoboth. He said, “For now…
Genesis 36:37Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in his place.