רְפָאֵל (re.pha.el)
re.pha.el
Rephael
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Rephael is a proper name found only once in the Hebrew Bible, at 1 Chronicles 26:7. The text identifies him as a Levite and a member of the gatekeeper family descended from Obed-edom. He is listed specifically as the son of Shemaiah and the brother of five other officials who served in temple duties.
The name itself carries a clear theological meaning, translating to "healed of God." It combines the root r-p-a, relating to healing or restoration, with the divine suffix -el. In the context of the Chronicler’s genealogies, such names often reflect the community’s gratitude for divine care and stability during the period of the divided monarchy.
While the name shares linguistic roots with words for physical or spiritual healing, Rephael appears here not as a title or an angelic figure, but as a historical individual. His inclusion in the record highlights the importance of family lineage and hereditary service within the Levitical priesthood, anchoring his identity firmly in his role as a servant of the temple.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Rephael means "healed of God." It appears in a simple list of names in 1 Chronicles 26:7. This verse records the family of Shemaiah, who served as gatekeepers for the temple. Rephael is listed alongside his brothers and relatives as a valiant man entrusted with guarding the house of the Lord.
While this name might remind us of angelic figures in later traditions, here it points to an ordinary Levite. His name serves as a quiet reminder that God’s healing touch extends into every part of life, even in the daily duties of temple service. It shows that faithfulness in small roles is seen and valued by God.
When we read these genealogies, we see that God cares about lineage and legacy. Rephael’s name suggests a family history marked by divine restoration. We can take comfort in knowing that our own lives, with all their daily tasks and relationships, are part of God’s larger story of care and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Rephael1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/רְפָאֵ֨ל1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 26:7
The sons of Shemaiah: Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad, whose relatives were valiant men, Elihu, and Semachiah.
This verse lists Rephael as a son of Shemaiah and a valiant gatekeeper, anchoring the name in historical temple service rather than myth.