רְחוּם (re.chum)
re.chum
Rehum
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rehum, derived from the Hebrew root for compassion or tenderness, appears seven times in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It identifies several distinct individuals among the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. One prominent figure is a Persian official who led opposition against the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, writing to King Artaxerxes to halt the work (Ezra 4:8; Nehemiah 2:19). Another man with this name served as a priest and returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2).
Lexical sources suggest the name’s meaning reflects qualities of softness or mercy, perhaps chosen to express hope for divine favor during a difficult restoration period. The text notes variant spellings in different manuscripts, such as Nehum or Harim, indicating possible scribal variations or local pronunciation differences. Despite its gentle etymology, one bearer of the name is remembered for his political resistance to the temple’s reconstruction, creating an ironic contrast between the name’s meaning and his actions.
Rehum thus serves as a reminder that names in Scripture often carry theological weight even when the individuals bearing them are not portrayed positively. The recurrence of this name among both supporters and opponents of the restoration highlights the complex social dynamics of the returned community. It stands as a linguistic artifact of a time when identity was being redefined under foreign rule.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rehum carries a meaning related to tenderness or compassion, yet its bearers in Scripture present a complex picture. In Ezra and Nehemiah, we meet individuals with this name who were both builders of Jerusalem’s walls and opponents of the temple’s restoration. This contrast reminds us that human identity is multifaceted; a name may suggest gentleness, but actions reveal character.
For your faith, this word highlights the reality of opposition during times of spiritual rebuilding. When Rehum the chancellor wrote to halt the work in Ezra 4, he represented forces that sought to stop God’s people from fulfilling their calling. Yet, despite such resistance, the community continued. The presence of a priest named Rehum among those who returned with Zerubbabel shows that compassion and service were also part of the restoration effort.
Understanding this word encourages us to look beyond surface appearances. Whether we face external pressure or internal conflict, God’s purposes are not easily thwarted. The name itself, rooted in mercy, invites us to trust that even in seasons of struggle, divine favor remains active among His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rehum7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְח֣וּם4×
- רְחֻ֖ם1×
- רְח֤וּם1×
- רְח֛וּם1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:8
Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
This verse introduces Rehum as a key political figure who actively opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem by writing to King Artaxerxes.
-
Ezra 2:2
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Here, Rehum is listed among the priests returning with Zerubbabel, showing his role in the religious restoration rather than political opposition.
-
Nehemiah 3:17
After him, the Levites—Rehum the son of Bani made repairs. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
Rehum the son of Bani is depicted as a builder who physically repaired the walls, demonstrating active participation in the community's renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rehum mean?
Why is Rehum mentioned as both an opponent and a supporter of the temple?
Where does the name Rehum appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 5 verses
who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.…
Ezra 4:8Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king as follows.
Ezra 4:9Then Rehum the chancellor, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the…
Ezra 4:17Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions…
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…