רֵכָב (re.khav)
re.khav
Rechab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Rechab, meaning "rider," appears thirteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the books of Samuel, Kings, and Jeremiah. It identifies a specific historical figure, the son of Rimmon, who served as one of two captains under King Ish-bosheth before conspiring to assassinate him (2 Samuel 4:2). This brief mention establishes Rechab as a character in the turbulent political struggles of Israel’s early monarchy.
However, the name carries greater theological weight through his descendants, the Rechabites. In Jeremiah 35, these men are noted for strictly observing the commands of their ancestor Jonadab, refusing to drink wine or settle in permanent houses. This historical lineage connects the name to a legacy of disciplined obedience that God uses as a contrast to Israel’s own faithlessness, highlighting how faithfully this family maintained their ancestral traditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rechab appears in the Bible as both a historical figure and a symbol of steadfast loyalty. In the early days of Israel’s monarchy, Rechab was one of two captains who betrayed King Ish-bosheth, an act that highlights the instability of that era (2 Samuel 4:2). Yet the name carries a deeper resonance through his descendant, Jonadab, whose family kept a strict vow of obedience to their ancestor’s commands. This lineage became a living example of faithfulness when God used them to rebuke Israel for ignoring His own words (Jeremiah 35:16).
For believers today, this word invites reflection on the power of consistent commitment. The Rechabites maintained their discipline across generations, not out of legalism, but out of respect for their father’s instruction. This legacy reminds us that small acts of obedience, kept faithfully over time, can speak louder than grand gestures. It is a call to honor our spiritual heritage and remain steady in our walk with God, even when the world around us shifts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rechab11×
- and/ Rechab1×
- [was] Rechab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֵכָ֔ב2×
- רֵכָב֙1×
- רֵכָֽב\׃\ \ס1×
- רֵכָ֨ב1×
- רֵכָ֣ב\׀1×
- רֵכָ֣ב1×
- רֵכָ֜ב1×
- רֵכָ֛ב1×
- רֵכָ֗ב1×
- רֵכָ֖ב1×
- רֵ֠כָב1×
- וְ/רֵכָ֛ב1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 4:2
Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is considered a part of Benjamin;
This verse introduces Rechab as a captain in a time of political turmoil, setting the stage for his role in the assassination of Ish-bosheth.
-
Jeremiah 35:16
The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me.”’
Here God contrasts the unwavering obedience of Jonadab’s descendants with Israel’s persistent refusal to listen to His prophets.
-
II Kings 10:15
When he had departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. He greeted him, and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” Jehonadab answered, “It is.” “If it is, give me your hand.” He gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.
Jehu meets Jehonadab, son of Rechab, and uses their shared heart for truth as a model for his own reform of Israel.
-
Jeremiah 35:19
therefore Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jonadab the son of Rechab will not lack a man to stand before me forever.’”
God promises that Jonadab’s line will always have representatives standing before Him, affirming the value of their faithful obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Rechab mean?
Who were the Rechabites?
Why is Rechab mentioned in Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 5 books)
II Samuel 4 verses
Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab,…
II Samuel 4:5The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went out and came at about the heat of the day to the house of…
II Samuel 4:6They came there into the middle of the house as though they would have fetched wheat, and they struck him in the body;…
II Samuel 4:9David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As Yahweh lives,…