רָפָה (ra.phah)
ra.phah
to slacken
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb rāphah describes a physical or spiritual loosening, often translated as to slacken, weaken, or let go. Its core image is that of tension releasing: hands dropping in defeat, courage fading, or efforts ceasing. In the Old Testament, it frequently appears in contexts where strength fails or resolve wavers, capturing the moment when effort gives way to exhaustion or fear.
A striking example occurs in Joshua 10:6, where the Gibeonite leaders plead for help, asking Joshua not to let them alone until they have destroyed their enemies. Here, rāphah implies abandoning a task or withdrawing support. Conversely, in 2 Chronicles 15:7, King Asa encourages his people with the command, "Do not let your hands be weak," urging them to remain steadfast in their work for God. The word thus bridges physical fatigue and moral perseverance.
Its range extends from literal sinking, like day drawing to a close (Judges 19:9), to figurative abandonment or idleness (Exodus 5:8). Translators often render it as "faint," "slack," or "let alone," depending on whether the subject is a person, a hand, or an action. The verb underscores the fragility of human resolve and the need for sustained strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word rāphah paints a picture of tension releasing, like hands dropping when effort becomes too heavy. It describes that moment when physical strength fades or resolve wavers under pressure. In Joshua 10:6, leaders ask Joshua not to let them alone until the battle is won, seeking support rather than abandonment. This word reminds us that feeling weak is a natural part of human experience, not a failure of faith.
Yet Scripture also points to a source of strength beyond our own limits. In 2 Chronicles 15:7, King Asa urges his people not to let their hands be slack because their work will be rewarded. This promise encourages us to keep going even when we feel tired. It is an invitation to trust that God sustains us when our own energy runs low.
When you face tasks that seem too large or days that feel too long, remember that your weakness does not disqualify you. God’s presence is the anchor that keeps your hands from falling. You are never left to carry burdens alone, and His faithfulness remains steady even when your courage feels thin.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- refrain5×
- he will abandon/ you4×
- they will drop2×
- they drop2×
- let drop2×
- [are] idle2×
- you let go1×
- you let drop1×
- you have shown yourself without courage1×
- you abandon1×
- will you let alone?/ me1×
- they hung limp1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַרְפְּ/ךָ֖3×
- הֶ֣רֶף3×
- הֶ֤רֶף2×
- תֶּֽרֶף\׃1×
- תֶּ֥רֶף1×
- תֶּ֑רֶף1×
- תִּרְפֶּ֑ינָה1×
- תַ֝רְפֵּ֗/נִי1×
- רָפָ֨ה1×
- רָפְתָ֥ה1×
- רָפְתָ֤ה1×
- רָפ֣וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 10:6
The men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Don’t abandon your servants! Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us; for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the hill country have gathered together against us.”
The plea 'Don’t abandon your servants' uses rāphah to highlight the desperate need for divine support in the face of overwhelming opposition.
-
II Samuel 4:1
When Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
The description of Saul’s son’s hands becoming feeble illustrates how sudden news can cause immediate physical and emotional collapse.
-
Nehemiah 6:9
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened from the work, that it not be done.” But now, strengthen my hands.
Nehemiah’s prayer to strengthen his hands acknowledges that external intimidation aims to weaken resolve, requiring divine intervention to continue the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does rāphah mean in the Bible?
How is rāphah different from other words for weakness?
Where does rāphah appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (40 verses across 18 books)
Exodus 3 verses
So he let him alone. Then she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
Exodus 5:8You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for…
Exodus 5:17But Pharaoh said, “You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to Yahweh.’