רָפוּא (ra.phu)
ra.phu
Raphu
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Raphu appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying a member of the tribe of Benjamin listed among the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan (Numbers 13:9). As a proper noun, it serves as a brief historical marker for a man whose specific actions are not detailed in the narrative, but whose lineage connects him to Palti, his son.
Etymologically, Raphu derives from the same root as the verb meaning "to heal" or "to restore." This linguistic connection suggests the name carries the sense of "healed one," a common thematic element in Israelite naming conventions that reflects trust in divine care. While the text does not explicitly link his character to this meaning, the name itself stands as a quiet testimony to the idea of restoration within the wilderness generation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Raphu appears in a brief genealogical list within Numbers 13:9. It identifies a man from the tribe of Benjamin who was sent as a spy into Canaan. While the text does not record his specific actions or words during that mission, his inclusion in the narrative connects him to the broader story of Israel’s journey.
Etymologically, Raphu shares a root with the Hebrew verb for healing or restoring. This linguistic link suggests the name carries the sense of being healed or restored. In ancient Israel, names often reflected trust in God’s care and provision. For believers today, this quiet reminder points to the enduring reality of divine restoration.
Though Raphu is not a central figure, his presence highlights how every individual contributes to the larger tapestry of faith. His name serves as a subtle testament to the hope that God restores those who walk in His path. This connection invites reflection on how personal identity and spiritual healing are intertwined in Scripture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Raphu1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רָפֽוּא\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:9
Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu.
This verse identifies Raphu as the father of Palti, placing him within the tribe of Benjamin among the spies sent to explore Canaan.